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From shame to empowerment

From shame to empowerment

May 6, 2023

Introduction

As a founder who has experienced both a spiritual awakening and the journey of starting a company, I've noticed some striking similarities between the two. At their core, both involve a deep exploration of oneself, a willingness to take risks, and a constant state of learning and growth. But what I found most interesting was the role fear and shame played in both areas. In this article, I'll explore these commonalities and share strategies for overcoming these emotions, drawing parallels to the challenges of cycle syncing while working in a linear corporate world.

When I experienced my own spiritual awakening, I was forced to confront parts of myself that I had long ignored or suppressed. I was afraid of what I might find and of what others might think of me if I showed my true self. Similarly, when I started the Baba Yaga, I had to take a leap of faith and put myself out there, risking failure and judgment.

Over time, more similarities started to pop up. We hear about the importance of a growth mindset and the willingness to take risks a lot in both the esoteric and tech startup worlds. But I had never thought about how our menstrual cycle relates to our spiritual journey, our career or even starting a business. You may think these topics are unrelated, but they actually have a lot more in common than you might think.

  • Having hundreds of WTF-moments (or Aha-moments) throughout the day.

  • Feeling like you are being pushed in the deep end without any floaties on.

  • Doing hard things for the very first time, all the time (think shadow work and business plans).

  • A growing sense of alienation from friends and family.

  • The slow process of finding your new tribe and chosen family.

  • Fighting self-doubt and imposter syndrome, while everyone else keeps telling you how brave you are.

  • Questioning the system every time you come up on another boundary.

But the biggest similarity is how fear and shame hold us back from growth and success. So, let's dive into the intersection of spiritual awakenings and founding a company and explore how we can overcome these emotions to achieve success in all areas of our lives.

Fear and shame in spiritual awakenings

Have you ever felt like you were close to a big personal breakthrough, but fear and shame held you back from fully embracing it? You're not alone. Fear of the unknown, fear of judgment from others, and shame over past mistakes or perceived shortcomings can make it difficult to embrace change and growth.

For example, maybe you've been curious about trying out meditation or energy healing, but fear of being judged by your friends or family has stopped you from exploring it further. Or perhaps you've had experiences that have left you feeling ashamed or unworthy, making it difficult to believe that you're deserving of a spiritual awakening.

But here's the thing: growth requires vulnerability and bravery. It means facing those fears and shame head-on, even when it's uncomfortable. It's about embracing your journey and trusting that it will lead you exactly where you need to be. So, go ahead and explore that new healing modality, embrace your past experiences as lessons learned, and trust that your spiritual journey is unfolding exactly as it should be.

Fear and shame in founding a company

Starting a business can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, but it can also be riddled with fear and shame. The fear of failure, the fear of not being good enough, and the shame of asking for help or admitting when things aren't going well can make it difficult to take those first steps towards entrepreneurship.

For instance, you may have a brilliant business idea that you've been holding onto for years, but the fear of failure has kept you from taking action. Or maybe you're struggling with imposter syndrome, feeling like you're not qualified or skilled enough to start your own business. Or you struggle to advertise for yourself, because you are so afraid of putting yourself out there.

But here's the truth: starting a business takes courage and vulnerability. It means taking risks, facing failures, and asking for help when you need it. It's about believing in yourself and your vision, even when others may doubt you. So, go ahead and take that first step towards entrepreneurship (or a side hustle), embrace your failures as opportunities to learn and grow, and trust that your business journey will lead you exactly where you need to be.

Overcoming fear and shame

So, how do we overcome these emotions of fear and shame in both spiritual awakenings and our careers? How do we live according to our cyclical nature while also making it in the corporate world? And what does our menstrual cycle have to do with any of it?

It starts with recognizing that these emotions are normal and part of the journey. We all experience fear and shame at some point in our lives, and that's okay.

The next step is to cultivate a mindset of self-compassion and self-love. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a close friend. Remember that you're worthy and deserving of growth and success, regardless of past mistakes or perceived shortcomings.

  • Just because you want to try something new, doesn’t mean you are crazy.

  • Just because you have a period, doesn’t mean you are unfit or weak.

  • Just because you want to develop your own ideas, doesn’t mean you are an outsider.

  • Just because you feel alone right now, doesn’t mean that you are alone.

  • Just because no one talks about how hard it is, doesn’t mean it’s not true.

  • Just because you made a mistake, doesn’t mean you are a failure.

Take action towards your goals, even if it's uncomfortable or scary. Embrace the discomfort and trust that it will lead you to where you need to be. That’s a lesson we can learn from our menstrual cycle. After the dark and moody luteal phase, a fresh start is always just around the corner. The key is to keep going. If you're feeling fear or shame around getting ahead at your job, starting a business or exploring a new spiritual practice, take small steps towards it. Maybe it's attending a workshop, reading a book, or talking to a trusted friend or mentor. Whatever it is, take that first step and trust that the rest will fall into place.

Conclusion

Comparing my spiritual awakening and founding the Baba Yaga may seem unlikely, but I realized they both have a lot in common when it comes to fear and shame. And honestly, this can even be said of fighting period shame while creating a successful career. It all requires vulnerability, courage, and a willingness to embrace discomfort in order to grow and succeed. Because shame can run so deep. So, the next time you're feeling fear or shame around your menstrual cycle, your spiritual journey, or your business aspirations, remember that it's all part of the journey. Embrace it, cultivate self-compassion, and take action towards your goals. And don't forget, your menstrual health app is always here to support you along the way.

Are you tired of feeling like your period is a hindrance to your success and happiness? Well, have no fear because your new best friend, the Baba Yaga, is here! This isn't your average period tracker. The Baba Yaga is your cycle coach, empowering you to live a healthier and happier life in sync with your menstrual cycle. Little bonus: fight your own internalized shame around periods!

Download the Baba Yaga period & cycle tracking app today & get:

  • daily hormone powers

  • empowerment affirmations

  • mindfulness & self-care tips

For a healthy, happy, and successful cyclical life!

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