Episode Details

We often hide parts of ourselves that we've been told are "too much," but reclaiming these disowned aspects is key to wholeness and freedom. I share my personal journey of hiding my intelligence because it made others uncomfortable, creating compensatory behaviours and identity fragmentation.

• Intelligence became something I downplayed despite teaching myself to read and finding school came easily
• Developed hypervigilance about how my achievements might make others feel
• Created unhealthy patterns like making things harder than necessary to "prove" I earned success
• Recognized that running from these shadow parts only increases shame and proving behaviours
• True freedom comes from claiming and integrating all parts of yourself
• When you accept yourself fully, these aspects become just one thread in your identity tapestry
• Question to consider: what part of yourself have you been hiding because it didn't feel safe?

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The Balance & Beyond Podcast Hosted by Jo Stone, founder of The Balance Institute

For women who are already succeeding, but beginning to wonder if they're willing to keep losing themselves in the process.

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