Quote:
“Shame hates it when we reach out and tell our story. It hates having words wrapped around it—it can’t survive being shared. Shame loves secrecy.” ~Brené Brown
Reflection:
Something I continue to learn...
When you make choices, present yourself a certain way, or otherwise live your life like you have something to be ashamed about...you are essentially giving license to society at large, and the people in (and oftentimes outside of) your sphere of influence, to use that shame against you.
I think I started learning this when I became an LGBTQIA+ ally a number of years ago. It's why PRIDE has always struck a chord with me.
Shame is a liar.
It's the unhealthy need for external validation turned into self-talk that keeps us small.
You're much bigger than you realize.
Live into the truth of an abundant and universal love that is given to ALL of creation. Every single bit of it.
From the acorns that turn into oaks, to the newborn child that evolves into the transgender youth.
ALL OF CREATION.
ALL OF IT.
There is no shame in change, it's basically the only real universal constant.
Intention:
Today, I choose to find peace in the unfolding, evolving, and surprising gift that is life!
Meditation:
More Quotes on Change
Rather than provide a meditation today, I curated some of my favorite quotes on the subject. Choose one each day this week and meditate on it for 5 minutes or more.
“Remember no one can make you feel inferior without consent.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
“There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” ~ Amanda Gorman
“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” ~ Abraham Maslow
“It’s not about standing still and becoming safe. If anybody wants to keep creating they have to be about change.” ~ Miles Davis
“To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.” ~ Henri Bergson
"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." ~ Charles Darwin
"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." ~ Rumi
Cultivation:
Cultivating personal change and releasing shame is a very vulnerable place to be in. Not ever person in your life should be allowed to be present for your transparency, but that communication is absolutely key to moving beyond a shame that is meant to keep you in the dark. Remember, vulnerability is a choice. You get to decide who is the recipient of your story.
Three things to remember, dear empath:
It is an honor for others to bear witness to your vulnerability.
Vulnerability builds trust and creates highly empathic and empathetic relationships.
Boundaries are ALWAYS important.
You’ve got this!