Shame is a universal emotion, but no one likes to talk about it.
This reluctance keeps us from telling our own stories and prevents us from listening to others share their experiences. One reason shame is so powerful is its ability to make us feel alone. Bad feelings thrive in silence and secrecy. But when we hear stories that mirror our own shame experiences, it can inspire a powerful feeling of connection.
If we want to successfully deal with shame in our lives, we have to understand why we feel it and how it affects us—including the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings we deal with each day.
In the end, we’re more alike than we are different. Everyone needs to feel valued, accepted, and affirmed. For more tips on how to cope with shame, visit our Instaread on I Thought It Was Just Me.
