I learned a vital life lesson.

I learned it the hard way.

Francis Dunnery told me to go into my cave.

My Batcave.

He said to embrace the darkness.

The darkness within my soul.

So I went into my cave and started.

Started trying to embrace it.

It was difficult.

I didn't want to face it.

I didn't want to embrace it.

I didn't want to shine a light on it.

But I didn't give up.

Maybe I could give it a tiny hug to begin.

Not a full embrace.

I could.

I could light a candle in the cave.

The wind swiftly blew it out.

So I put it in a candle box to protect it.

To nurture it.

By this soft light, embracing the darkness was a little easier each time I went back in.

On this journey, embracing my shadow finally came after many years.

It took faith.

It took flow.

It took permission to feel whatever I feel.

To observe instead of escape.

When I finally fully embraced my darkness, the floodlights suddenly switched on.