MY SHADOW WAS LONG THIS MORNING -- and I couldn't help but think of what long shadows we cast in our lives . . . the unconscious consequences of our actions, good and bad, that linger on behind us. Something we said, or did that affected others in ways we couldn't/didn't know then.

I'm thinking about SHADOW in the psychological sense -- unknown aspects of our personality, often denied, somtimes carrying unlived creative potential -- generally seen by others but not by us -- shadows we have cast by our words and behaviors.
For example, I wish I had known or understood the shadow of sadness I cast over my mother by staying away from her for so long. I had to do it for my own soul's sake, but I wish I could have done it more lovingly.
Only now do I realize the 'positive' shadow left behind by my teaching. I'm surprised when old students still remember some 'pearl of wisdom' dispensed by my much younger self.
Some of my darker shadows still haunt my dreams . . . images of betrayal or indifference . . . and I wake, remorseful about the unintentional impact of those words or deeds.
But today, seeing my long shadow IN FRONT of me . . . I feel forgiveness for myself.
My younger self was driven mostly my own loves, losses, and other 'first half of life' issues.
I was unaware of how my shadowy actions were perceived by friends and loved ones.
I like being more conscious now, more responsible, and more forgiving
Older. Perhaps wiser?