Tame Your Dark Side?

Ever said something nasty to a friend and wondered to yourself why you were being such a b***h? We all have a dark side, a kind of evil twin that gets grumpy and moody and downright nasty. The elemental-energies Air, Fire and Earth in your body and mind make you predisposed to certain moods and emotions. Discover how to tame your dark side so you can discover balance and improve your relationship karma.

Just answer the following questions keeping note of how many a's, b's or c's you get. Then read up on what it all means below.

1. When you’re down in the dumps are you more likely to be?:

a) Strung out
b) Aggressive
c) Withdrawn

2. You’ve just had a major blow up with your bestie do you?

a) Have sleepless nights, worry excessively and feel unable to fix it.
b) Feel furious and vengeful
c) Get depressed and comfort-eat or sleep for long periods

3. Your parents won’t let you hang with your friends at a cool club on the weekend. Do you?

a) Fantasise about running away and disobeying them
b) Become confrontational and hope this strategy will make them give in
c) Sulk and hide out in my bedroom thinking the psychological torture I inflict on them will punish them for being unreasonable

4. When it comes to your dark side which celeb do you most identify with?

a) Rebel without a cause Christina Agulera
b) Wild girl Lindsay Lohan
c) Moody and broody Kelly Osbourne

5. Be honest, your least favourite aspects of your personality are?

a) Restless, low self-esteem, insecure at times, flighty, changeable
b) Perfectionist, arrogant, aggressive, critical, controlling
c) Lazy, procrastinator, sulky, prone to feeling blue

6. Your biggest challenges are?

a) Overcoming my fears and anxieties
b) Controlling my temper
c) Trying to be more positive

Your Scores

When you can objectively recognise your qualities (and your personal trouble spots) you see yourself as others do. We all have positive and negative trains in our personalities. The trick for all of us is to become aware of both sides of our personalities and work with them. It’s not about judging yourself, in fact there’s real power in learning to be clear when either side is operating. This is called being in charge of our stuff!

Mostly a’s

When the Air elemental-energy in your body and mind is balanced you’re Miss personality plus. You’re easy to be around, fun, witty, exciting, creative, sensitive and adventurous. When the dark side of your nature is in full swing you feel insecure, anxious and light-headed and your friends and family will notice that you’re scattered, cutting and dismissive of other people’s feelings.

To keep your inner-cow in check you need: plenty of rest and time out to reflect on your moods and feelings. You need to nurture yourself with long walks on the beach, a gentle yoga session, warm baths and plenty of grounding foods such as yummy warm porridge and cups of hot chocolate. When you feel balanced and grounded many of your anxieties will simply melt away.

Mostly b’s

When the Fire elemental-energy in your body and mind is balanced you are charm personified. You’re a powerful leader, you’re playful and magnetic and full of energy and inspiration. When your Miss Hyde is operating you are aggressive, judgemental, cranky, bullying and pushy.

To keep your nasty side under control you need: To see the light side of life by watching funny movies with your friends, giving yourself lots of pampering treats such as a gorgeous manicure, cooling off with a lovely long swim and adding sweetness to your diet (which also adds sweetness to your nature) by eating lots of cooling and soothing foods such as salads and sweet fruits such as watermelon, blueberries, pears and avocados.
When you feel cool, relaxed and at ease with yourself you’ll notice that many of your more fiery personality traits can be handled with ease.

Mostly c’s

When the Earth elemental-energy in your body and mind is balanced you are generous, compassionate and nurturing. You’re the kind of friend everyone craves. You’re an artistic, gentle and loving friend and daughter and you simply ooooze serenity and femininity. When you’re dark nature is at the wheel you’re withdrawn, sullen, intolerant, lazy and lacklustre.

To keep your witchy-woman off her broomstick you need: To get up off your butt and get moving. Nothing lifts your spirits like a hard workout. It’s not your natural inclination to get out there and exercise but it’s the best prescription for you when you’re down-in-the-dumps. Add to your new exercise regime lots of stimulating foods such as spicy curries and some detoxing teas such as dandelion, cinnamon and peppermint – in next to no time you’ll discover that a few simple changes to your lifestyle will make a quantum difference to the way you feel. When you’re super-charged with vitality and energy you have the power to banish the blues and get a grip on your stress.