“We are driven to the point of exhaustion by our ego ideal to be different than we are. We fight to be bigger, stronger, tougher, and more secure. Without realizing it, we position ourselves to prove that we are more, better, or different than the rest of the crowd or try to stay invisible by fitting in and not being seen. We scramble to create the exact persona we believe will bring us the approval and recognition we desperately need or, alternatively, give us an excuse for not playing full out and having a life we love. And then we begin to act and behave in ways, consciously or unconsciously, that will leave others with the thoughts, feelings, and impressions we believe will bring us their love, respect, or pity—until that one day when the walls come crumbling down.”

Excerpt From: Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson & Debbie Ford. “The Shadow Effect.”