houseplants29
New Member
I noticed a self-critical thought recently that took me by surprise. I write a blog and when I was thinking of my most recent post, a rush of shame came on and I thought, "Stupid." The thought came from shame and embarrassment that I had put a post out there that wasn't good enough and had opened myself to other people's criticism. I rarely talk this way to myself, but I think it came from the strength of the emotion. Shame is one of the most powerful emotions that really sticks. Most of the memories I have of childhood are associated with shame, which shows how powerful it is. Being self-conscious of what other people think of me is a lifelong struggle for me. It's something I'm examining in this work. As I'm becoming more aware and accepting of all the thoughts and feelings that are inside me, I'm becoming more confident in my own experience and what I want and need. I'm starting to examine a lifetime of people pleasing and it's a palpable relief to be doing this work.
