“But shame is like a wound that is never exposed and therefore never heals.” Shame. Everybody has it. Nobody wants to talk about it. The less we talk about it, the more power it has over us. In fact, shame goes to the core of your person and makes you feel there is something inherently wrong with you.In our society, shame and guilt are often intertwined. However, these two emotions are quite different. Guilt's focus is on behavior. It’s about what you did. When you experience guilt, you have gone against your own code of ethics. Guilt usually serves as being an internal conscience. It helps you to not act on harmful impulses. Shame’s focus, on the other hand, is on the self. It’s not that you did something bad, but that you are intrinsically bad. It gives you the sense that you do not measure up to others; that you are defective; that you are damaged goods.This concept is like saying “you are worthless and incapable of change. And, when you are in shame, you can't see the bigger picture. You feel alone, exposed, and deeply flawed.Today, it is time to shine a light on your shame and then let go of it. Begin to become aware of where and when you feel shame. Recognize that shame is an emotion and does not need to be your state of being. And the true antidote to your shame is to be brave enough to share it with another trusted person. Just by removing the shadow and secrets around your shame, it will begin to dissipate. Shame cannot exist in conditions of light, sunshine, and humor. Today, lighten and let go your shame. You are always enough just because you exist.

Just for today, I am enough. I now free myself from destructive fears and doubts. I release the need to blame anyone, including myself. We are all doing the best we can with the knowledge understanding and awareness we have right now. I forgive myself for not being perfect and all is truly well in my world. And so it is.