This is the first in a series of three blog posts that is pause for reflection in Coming Out of the Shadows and into Divine Light!. This series will examine challenges, solutions and benefits for women to choose to challenge and change their narrative and to embrace who they are in their fullness and gentle power, The Call and the Summons is to the Awakening of the Divine Feminine within. And so to the Challenges.

Making the Choice to change our narrative - both individually as well as collectively, brings with it a number of challenges. For some, especially those without support, these challenges can be daunting. We hear so often that it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a Soul Tribe of Sisters to hold space, to nurture and to provide experience and wisdom in how others have traversed the challenges faced by women who are ready and wanting to change their narrative.

Our inner worlds are a direct reflection of our outer world. We are and have been shaped, molded into who we are as women over centuries where the external views, opinions and pressures have for many kept us and the Divine Feminine in the shadows.

Our focus here is on our own personal narrative and sure, this has been influenced by the external chatter and noise about women and the so-called 'fairer sex' and the 'war of the sexes'. Here is some food for thought on some of the common internal challenges and dialogues that women are facing in relation to coming out of the shadows and into their Divine Light. How many of these challenges apply to you?

1. Self-Doubt and Impostor Syndrome: Many women may experience self-doubt about their abilities, skills, and worthiness. Impostor syndrome can make it difficult for women to fully embrace their true natures and the gifts that they have to offer the world causing them to constantly question themselves and what they have to offer. Self doubt and imposter syndrome then impact on self-confidence which can make it difficult to take bold steps towards enlightened learning and empowered living.

2. Perfectionism: Some women feel the pressure to meet impossibly high standards which when not met lead to self-judgment and the voice of the inner critic. The fear of not being perfect leads to procrastination and can prevent them from trying new things or stepping out of their comfort zones. This mindset can hinder progress and lead to frustration.

3. Cultural and Societal Expectations: Our self concept as women has been shaped in many ways by external influences - by societal norms, religious beliefs and cultural expectations. This is especially true where women have picked up and internalised these belief which then impact upon and contribute to their choices and decisions. Traditional gender roles and expectations may discourage women from pursuing certain fields of study, may limit access to opportunities for education or taking on leadership roles. Some cultures may place restrictions on women's personal growth and empowerment, making it difficult to break free from those constraints.

4. Fear of Judgment: We are social beings and finding our space where we are loved and accepted can be challenging for many. Past experiences of having been judged by other women perpetuate this fear of being judged by others, especially in areas of their lives - such as family, friends or peers where women are taking the risk to step outside of the social and cultural expectations. This fear of being criticized or misunderstood can lead to hesitation and self-censorship.

5. Balancing Multiple Roles and Responsibilities: Women often juggle multiple responsibilities, including family, career and work, and personal commitments most oftentimes with little or no time for themselves. Balancing self-care and personal growth with these roles can be overwhelming and guilt inducing as well as the fear of being labelled as selfish. This inner conflict and dissonance in putting herself first, is one of the key reasons why many women opt out of carving out a path for their own personal development and Spiritual Growth.

6. Lack of Role Models and Adequate Support: Women seem to be reluctant to step forward into roles that pave the way for other women to follow. Oftentimes when they do take on leadership roles the energy with which they deliver on these roles can be imbalanced in favor of their inner masculine energy. A lack of visible female role models who embody the Divine Feminine energies of connection, collaboration, nurturing gentle power highlight the need for more and more women to step into the role of mentor and support for others to bring about the healing of the feminine energy.

7. Personal Trauma: Trauma is endemic in the feminine psyche and has been inculcated over centuries of abuse by the imbalanced masculine vibration. All too often these wounds that many women carry relate back to their personal experiences of trauma from childhood through adulthood. These energies are generational and karmic and are perpetuated today in the alarming escalation of gender based violence and femicide. Not only does trauma affect the self-esteem of women, it holds them captive in the shadows and the fear and consequences that they may face should they break with the shadow stereotypes and claim their freedom.

Overcoming these challenges requires self-awareness, resilience, and a Sacred Space where women are provided with a soft space to land as they navigate their way through the dropping of the veils behind which they have hidden as a form of survival and self-preservation. Family, friends, mentors, and communities that value and encourage enlightened learning and empowered living for women provide a space in which women can face these challenges with courage and support. These challenges whilst seemingly 'negative' are the very clues that provide women with the way out of the shadow and into their Light of Truth and Gentle Power.

The next two posts in this series will look at the possible enlightened and empowered solutions as well as the positive pay off in making the choice to emerge out of the shadows into Divine Light!