Okay, confession time. I still see shadows in my room. And no, I’m not living in a haunted house (though that would be a pretty cool story!).
It’s more like… a lifelong habit. A quirk. A weird, comforting constant.
The Shadowy Origin Story
It all started in childhood. Bedtime was a battlefield fought with stalling tactics and elaborate monster-under-the-bed scenarios.
To appease my anxieties, my dad installed a ridiculously bright nightlight. We called it “The Sun.”
But The Sun, while effective against monsters, also cast incredibly dramatic shadows. My teddy bear became a menacing gargoyle. My clothes on the chair morphed into a looming figure.
Embracing the Darkness (Sort Of)
Instead of being terrified, I became fascinated. I'd watch them dance and shift with the slightest breeze.
I started making up stories about them. They weren't scary; they were just… characters. My shadow friends.
Eventually, I outgrew The Sun. But the shadow habit stuck.
Shadows in Adulthood: A Symphony of Shapes
Now, I don't have a nightlight. But I still notice the shadows. A passing car throws elongated silhouettes across my wall.
The streetlight filters through the curtains, creating a soft, diffused glow. It's a gentle reminder that even in darkness, there's light.
I find it incredibly soothing. It's like living in a perpetual art installation, a constantly evolving show of light and dark.
It's almost like
"I'm not alone", as weird as that sounds.
The Unexpected Perks of Being Shadow-Savvy
It's more than just a pretty light show. Being attuned to shadows has its advantages.
I'm surprisingly good at spotting things in low light. Friends often joke that I have "night vision."
And creatively? It's a goldmine! Shadows are incredible inspiration for art, writing, and even problem-solving. You start seeing the world in layers, in contrast, in a totally different way.
Confessions of a Shadow Enthusiast
I know it's a little odd. Most adults probably aren't pondering the artistry of their bedroom shadows.
But there’s something wonderfully childlike about it. A simple joy in observing something most people overlook.
Maybe next time you're in a dimly lit room, take a moment to look at the shadows. Really look at them. You might be surprised by what you see.
Who knows, you might even discover your own shadow friends.
And if you do? Welcome to the club! The shadow appreciation society is always accepting new members.
Just remember to keep the lights low and your imagination high.
Perhaps I should write a guide. Something like "Shadows: A beginner's guide to night-time friends". What do you think?
