It’s Punxsutawney Phil’s day to shine, and I’m a huge fan of the furry little actor! February 2nd, Groundhog’s Day, is a magical day, where a groundhog’s news becomes more important than a President’s. As cameras carefully screen every move to see if spring will be early or late, Punxsutawney Phil never truly gives an answer. Did he see his shadow? We think so? Ahhh, the mysteriousness of the brave little fellow.
I also find it amusing that many of us will read or watch the news to see if he saw his shadow, when the truth is, that 6 weeks more of winter is highly likely. In broader terms, however, do you see your shadow? I believe that all of us have what could be termed a light and a dark side. It’s not that the dark side is bad, it’s just a little uncomfortable. I believe we all have to acknowledge our shadow side to be the best human beings possible.
It’s also important to not just see your shadow side, but to do your best to ‘unshadow’ it, by acknowledging those things that you can do better, but not judging or disliking yourself because of it. No one is perfect, and your shadow side is a part of you just as much as your ‘light’ side is. And try as you might, the shadow side will always be there, rearing it’s head when you least expect it. It’s how you learn from it that matters.
Oftentimes, we project the softer sides of our personalities when we are really feeling the darker emotions. We do this because it might feel unsafe to share, or because we believe the ‘should’s’ of society that we must always show our ‘good’ face to the world. This is not real, and to be a genuine person, I think it’s important to be ‘real.’
Our flaws are a part of us, and although they can be worked on, all of us need to not judge ourselves quite so much for being flawed, just like everyone else is. It’s when we can appreciate our darkest flaws, along with our lightest, side by side, is when we can be the person we’ve always wanted to be.
In the meantime, Punxsutawney Phil… this advice isn’t for you! Please don’t look at your shadow today – I’m hoping for a miracle of an early spring! Happy acting. 
All best,
Rose
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