Overcoming Shame: How To Bring It To Light
When was the last time you felt ashamed of something you said or did?
Yesterday? A couple of weeks or months ago? Or perhaps there was an event in your life that happened a few years back, and you still feel shameful when you think about it.
If you’re holding onto feelings of shame, you’re not alone.
Shame is a common human emotion that can leave us feeling isolated.
What if I told you that bringing shame into the light could be the key to living a more fulfilling life?
When we try to suppress these experiences, they tend to grow, fester and lead to negative beliefs about ourselves and our self-worth. By acknowledging and addressing our shame we can reach a point of acceptance and compassion for ourselves.
So, how do we go about this?
Begin by speaking with someone you trust. Whether this is a family member, friend or mental health professional.
Sharing your experiences and feelings with them can provide the validation and encouragement you need to work through and process your shame. This may seem frightening, but in verbally bringing this to light and challenging the negative beliefs that you’ve built, you are well on your way to a more peaceful existence.
Journaling can also be a powerful tool. Write down your experience of shame and ask yourself why you felt that way. In taking ourselves back to that moment we can reframe it in our mind and let go of the negative beliefs.
Another helpful approach to overcoming shame is to practice self-forgiveness. When we hold onto shame, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-blame and self-punishment, which can prevent us from moving forward. By practising self-forgiveness, we can learn to let go of the past and embrace a more positive future.
Self-forgiveness involves acknowledging our mistakes, taking responsibility for our actions, and making amends where possible. It’s important to recognise that you are human, and everyone around you makes mistakes. It’s important to learn from our mistakes and use them as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.
Remember to be patient with yourself and seek support when needed. Allow time to reflect throughout the process. You are not alone in this journey.
Take care.
Owen x
