We all have a dark side. Most of us go through life avoiding direct confrontation with that aspect of ourselves, which I call the shadow self. There's a reason why. It carries a great deal of energy.

In this quote, Lorraine Toussaint reflects on the concept of the shadow self, a term often used in psychology to describe the parts of our personality or psyche that we tend to repress or deny. Toussaint suggests that everyone has a dark side, which consists of traits, emotions, or experiences that are uncomfortable or difficult to confront. Most people avoid directly facing this aspect of themselves because it can be unsettling or challenging to accept. The shadow self often contains emotions like anger, fear, or guilt, which we prefer to keep hidden from others and ourselves.

Toussaint highlights that the shadow self is not only something we avoid, but it also holds a tremendous amount of energy. This could mean that the unacknowledged emotions and repressed aspects of our personality have the potential to influence our behavior, often in ways we don’t fully understand. While we try to suppress these parts of ourselves, they can manifest in unexpected ways, affecting our relationships, choices, and overall well-being. The energy associated with the shadow self can be both powerful and disruptive if left unchecked.

The origin of the quote comes from Lorraine Toussaint, an accomplished actress known for her roles in TV series like Orange Is the New Black. Toussaint’s own experiences and understanding of human nature likely influenced her perspective on the shadow self. As an actress, she often explores complex, multifaceted characters, which may have given her deeper insights into the psychological layers that make up a person’s identity.

Ultimately, this quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confronting our shadow self in order to achieve greater self-awareness and emotional growth. Toussaint’s words remind us that while the darker aspects of our personality are often hidden, they carry a significant amount of power that can either hinder or fuel personal development. Embracing these parts of ourselves can lead to greater emotional balance and understanding.