SuperRare

Shadows...
Living in someone else's shadow is living under the influence of another person. In these moments, we are not aware of or do not accept our own desires and aspirations, adapting to the expectations and demands of others. 
How to express yourself?

Living in the shadows is the same as not living. One can respect the authority of the teacher/mentor/parent, but go one's own way.

I love fog, cherry pies and the smell of freshly brewed coffee✨l study web design, I am interested in new trends in cryptography.

I find myself a mother figure in the person of my boss...friend and I shift the role of a wiser person to her in order to receive advice and coordinate my decisions... This means that I have not yet gone through the process of separation from my parents...

There is an influence on creative expression not only from the boss

In the context of your quote - does this relationship with your boss affect your creative expression, your independent decision making? Or does a more experienced colleague gently guide you, helping you to find the right solution?