The Moon is Always Whole
03 — Don’t Be Shy, Showing Up Through All Phases
My shadow sides often cling to me, revealing themselves as imperfections and insecurities that wrap around me like a weighted blanket.
I’ve subconsciously let these feelings hold me back more than I’d like to admit. You know, saying things like, “I’ll start this once I get that other degree” or the petty “I’ll do it once my hair is done.” The fear of not being perfect had its hold on me.
But that weighted blanket, although soothing, isn’t needed anymore.
You know, there are few things as painful as withholding something that’s ready to be birthed. So, I push forward—finally—but always knowing it’s overdue. I push out the words, the projects, the dreams that others might see coming, but I know it’s overdue. All because I believed the shadows that hugged me meant I was incomplete.
Some years ago, I came across a poem that highlighted the importance of self-acceptance.
“And just like the moon, you shall go through phases of light, of dark, and of everything in between. And though you may not always appear with the same brightness, you are always, always whole.”
— Unknown
“The moon is always whole” should be a constant reminder that we are complete, imperfections and all. The moon is full for only three of its 29.5-day cycle—just a moment in the grand scheme. Nevertheless, it doesn’t wait to do its job. We don’t wait to celebrate it. We just let it ride even when it’s visibly covered by shadows.
This affirms that beneath our visible struggles and feelings of inadequacy, our we are complete through life's phases. And, the gag is: we don’t need to do anything to achieve that completeness.
Truthfully, we can’t afford to only show up when we feel complete and ready. Think about it: our nights would be even darker if the moon decided not to come out until it was fully whole during those three days.
So, who are we to strive for an unrealistic idea? The moon doesn’t shun its phases; it embraces them, knowing that beneath every shadow lies its intrinsic completeness. Embracing our shadows means recognizing that we are more than enough, just as we are. It’s about trusting ourselves and giving ourselves permission to be imperfect, understanding that our shadow sides are integral parts of who we are.
Can 2025 be the year we finally allow ourselves to accept this truth—not just for ourselves, but for our sisters and sister-friends?
Now, If my shadow side is something that doesn’t sit right with you, and vice versa, that’s a conversation about boundaries that I’ll save for another day. But…
My girl, my reader, I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for reading this far and especially for allowing me to experience all of you, even your shadow self.
I hope we can support each other on our journey to a place where we are confident to show up in our entirety, allowing our light to shine even when our shadows are present in our lives.
Because look, I’m staying the course regardless…. 🤷♀️
~
Tyshaia
Don’t be Shy, Let’s Stay Connected
Follow me on Instagram | Pinterest
Subscribe to my YouTube channel to see more of my world