Illumination: The Courage to Stand in Your Truth
By Katie Joy, The GlobalButterfly
As I declared 2025 my year of Illumination, I anticipated clarity and truth to come to the forefront. However, the way this illumination has unfolded has been both unexpected and profound. It has tested my resolve, strength, and unwavering commitment to living in my truth.
The Unexpected Journey of Illumination
When I set out on this path, I thought illumination would be about casting light on new opportunities, discovering fresh insights, and finding clarity in my purpose. While all of these have happened, the most profound aspect of illumination has been the courage to stand firm in the face of shadows.
I encountered individuals and situations that challenged my inner peace and truth. People who operate in shadows—those who operate from their own unhealed wounds - who manipulate, deflect, distort, and generalise—have crossed my path. They tried to pull me into their games, attempting to blur my vision and dim my light. But this year has been about holding myself steady with crystal clarity and unshakeable courage.
The Cost of Overvaluing Relationships
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this journey is the danger of overvaluing relationships to the point of self-abandonment. In the past, I found myself silencing my truth, shrinking my authentic self, and carrying the emotional weight of others' dysfunctions—all in an effort to "keep the peace."
Instead of holding people accountable for their behaviour, I allowed them to guilt me, shame me, and throw false accusations my way—tools of manipulation and deflection. In my desire to maintain harmony, I took on an unbearable burden of responsibility that was never mine to carry.
The Realisation: Peace Without Truth Isn’t Peace
Through this process, I’ve come to a crucial realisation: peace without truth isn’t peace. It’s suppression. Minimising myself to preserve a connection isn’t love or harmony; it’s self-betrayal. True relationships—whether with a partner, family member, friend, client or colleague—honour mutual responsibility, accountability, and truth. Anything less is merely a performance to appease someone else’s comfort at the expense of your soul.
Embracing the Light Within
This year, I’ve chosen illumination over appeasement. I’ve embraced the light within, allowing it to guide me through the darkest of shadows. And in doing so, I’ve found a deeper, more authentic peace—one that stands unwavering in truth.
This short article (inspired by a Facebook post I was creating as I was processing some recent events and self reflecting) is an invitation to anyone who is ready to embrace their own journey of illumination. To stop minimising themselves. To break free from guilt, manipulation, and over-responsibility. And to finally live in their Truth, with Power, Peace, and Self-Respect.
I paused to put together a simple and clarifying checklist for my clients inside The Awakened Soul Program - "7 Signs You're Self-Abandoning." Then I realised, this might just be the tool you're looking for too for an immediate shift from confusion to clarity. You can download a copy for free here: https://www.theglobalbutterfly.com/7signs
Let’s illuminate the path to true authenticity together. The kind that doesn’t require self-abandonment — but instead, anchors you into your highest self.
