Hi Justin— this article came across my way today and it couldn’t be more timely. Thank you for sharing your experience with shame—it’s highly resonant. I’ve found that shame is one of those things that many have experienced without realizing what it was—kind of like a familiar taste that you can’t describe. It’s so personal to each of us depending on that initial wounding but usually a flavor of “I’m not enough”. Some folks are stuck in the “I’m not enough” and others have painted over the shame with hyper-achievement or fragile ego or mastering the art of deflection or being a lone wolf.
My own experience today with shame was in the context of believing I’m not as far along as I “should” be with developing content and a group coaching program. It’s a horrid feeling. And then your article came my way and I realized I felt sick inside and overwhelmed because of that shame. So thank you for your writing and sharing your experience 💕💕
Julie, I'm so thrilled this was helpful. This sentence "Some folks are stuck in the “I’m not enough” and others have painted over the shame with hyper-achievement or fragile ego or mastering the art of deflection or being a lone wolf." resonated particularly deeply. I have and do play all of these games at some point or another! Thanks for reading and being along for the ride <3
Shame is deeply powerful, both as an individual emotion and a tool to reduce others for whatever reason. What I have found with my own struggle is when you share your struggle with shame with others, give voice to the angst it causes, acknowledge the way it makes you feel, talk about why, you can disempower it and find freedom. It will no longer hold you hostage. If only we had been taught how to recognize our emotions and how to process them in a healthy manner as we grew up our lives would have unfolded differently. I know, at least, that mine would have. Thank you Justin for this piece and the reminder of the power of shame.
Agreed Steven - this mirrors my experience to a tee. Hoping to provide my kids the emotional education my parents weren't aware of. Thanks for reading and providing your perspective.
Hi Justin— this article came across my way today and it couldn’t be more timely. Thank you for sharing your experience with shame—it’s highly resonant. I’ve found that shame is one of those things that many have experienced without realizing what it was—kind of like a familiar taste that you can’t describe. It’s so personal to each of us depending on that initial wounding but usually a flavor of “I’m not enough”. Some folks are stuck in the “I’m not enough” and others have painted over the shame with hyper-achievement or fragile ego or mastering the art of deflection or being a lone wolf.
My own experience today with shame was in the context of believing I’m not as far along as I “should” be with developing content and a group coaching program. It’s a horrid feeling. And then your article came my way and I realized I felt sick inside and overwhelmed because of that shame. So thank you for your writing and sharing your experience 💕💕
Julie, I'm so thrilled this was helpful. This sentence "Some folks are stuck in the “I’m not enough” and others have painted over the shame with hyper-achievement or fragile ego or mastering the art of deflection or being a lone wolf." resonated particularly deeply. I have and do play all of these games at some point or another! Thanks for reading and being along for the ride <3
Justin, I like what you shared about possibly playing all of these roles at some point or another—that rings true as well.
Shame is deeply powerful, both as an individual emotion and a tool to reduce others for whatever reason. What I have found with my own struggle is when you share your struggle with shame with others, give voice to the angst it causes, acknowledge the way it makes you feel, talk about why, you can disempower it and find freedom. It will no longer hold you hostage. If only we had been taught how to recognize our emotions and how to process them in a healthy manner as we grew up our lives would have unfolded differently. I know, at least, that mine would have. Thank you Justin for this piece and the reminder of the power of shame.
Agreed Steven - this mirrors my experience to a tee. Hoping to provide my kids the emotional education my parents weren't aware of. Thanks for reading and providing your perspective.