The voice of shame puts us down and keeps both our darkness and greatness hidden from ourselves and the world. “Who am I to be great?” is as much the voice of shame as “there is something terribly wrong with me.” These, and thoughts like them, keep us isolated and afraid of revealing ourselves.
I’m speaking to you as much as I am to myself. For much of my life I’ve felt as if there were something inherently wrong with me, to the point that when something in life goes wrong, I’m the first to lay blame on my own shoulders. This belief has also been the fuel to pushing me forward at times as well as the weed that chokes my breath and keeps my paralyzed. Neither is really healthy.
In trying to hide my faults, I’ve isolated myself, repeatedly, only allowing people to get but so close. While I can share things that many would consider too private, I struggle with maintaining that level of intimacy and vulnerability for any length of time. My fears of rejection and abandonment then become self-fulfilling prophecies and once again I find myself feeling alone.
It is my goal over the next month to consistently post on a weekly basis about things that I’ve found shameful; things I’ve tried to hide. It is only when the light is shone on the darkness that healing can persist. I’m tired of hiding. If you’re still reading, I’m guessing you are, too.
Please feel free to share any stories in the comments, on your own blogs or feel free to Gmail me at Tiffanybeingfree.
Namaste
Hiding your dark sides could be hiding the best parts of you. Keep yourself open to feel and think and be free with yourself. That’s my biggest goal right now. I’m working on this too!
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So glad to hear this! Yes, when we hide behind our shame it blocks the good and the bad. “Owning your own shadow” by Robert Johnson has been very helpful for me in seeing the cost of hiding. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you for putting into words what I, too, have felt for many years. So blessed to know you!! 🦄✨
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Gurl! You’ve brought instant tears to my eyes. Thank you for being part of this journey! And I must say that just before I read your comment that I was just thinking to myself it’s time to rekindle that child-like innocence and you show up with a unicorn and sparkles! 😘❤️BAM! Love it. 😍
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looking forward to this
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Thank you, Lee! Blessings to you and your family.
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LOVE Brené Brown! What a smart and honest woman. I look forward to you shining your light in the dark corners, and no doubt revealing some of what we all have in there too. Best wishes, G
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Thank you! Yes, Brene is amazing!
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Shame is such a hard thing to deal with. You’re brave for taking it head on. 🙂
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Thank you! Some days are easier than others 🙂
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