Scent Notes: Guaiac and cedarwoods, oleander, osmanthus, coriander, a smudge of dirt and drop of blood. Oakmoss, red currants, red and black musks.

Some people are afraid of their shadows, but not you. You’ve never been afraid of the shadows, metaphorical or otherwise. You haven’t had an easy life, but you’re still here. Some days you might be thriving; others, just holding on. But you’re not afraid to do the work of understanding and moving through the shadows of your life and memories. As such, you haven’t always had the easiest time making friends or getting along with others. Most people don’t like to deal with their darkness, and the sight of others like yourself dealing with it can also frighten them off. 

The good part about it is that you attract like-minded people who also don’t mind dealing with the shadows of their lives, because they understand that it’s necessary. Without shadows, we would not appreciate the light. And without understanding the shadows, the light would not be as bright. The darker side of our personality is just as valid as the lighter side, the side we typically show the world. Thankfully, you’ve just quit your terrible day job, the one that had drained your soul straight out of your body and made you feel like you were only the dark side of yourself for ages.

Now, you get to take the time to fully explore yourself and your personality through therapy while you take some of your hard-earned savings and use this time as a break.

Your mornings are slow, full of journaling, caffeine, and therapy at least once a week. The afternoons are for the occasional job application, or a long walk or yoga routine. Evenings are your favorite time, though. The play between the darkness and the light gives you inspiration and reassurance. If you could, you’d wrap the shadows around yourself for comfort. Instead you opt for your coziest blanket and keep writing, this time on your eternally-in-progress novel. You fall asleep as soon as it’s dark and awake every day at dusk with no alarm. More shadows, these ones being erased slowly as the day begins. Shadow and light, light and dark, evil and good, constantly in balance. Your magic lies in sitting comfortably in that balance, with maybe just a slight penchant towards the shadow side. Which is just fine with you, and all who love and appreciate you. The light needs the shadow, after all.

Scent Notes: Guaiac and cedarwoods, oleander, osmanthus, coriander, a smudge of dirt and drop of blood. Oakmoss, red currants, red and black musks.