What Is Shame?

This emotion keeps us from experiencing true fulfillment.

A definition from an expert in the study of shame:

“Shame is the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love, belonging, and connection.“

- Brené Brown, Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

How do we “fix” shame?

Shame: I am an expert in experiencing it. I created this website to talk about the things I’m ashamed of. In doing so, I’ve let others know that they don’t have to face their shame alone. I believe that when we face our shame courageously, we can free ourselves, and start to live as we were always meant to.

In Atlas of the Heart, Brené Brown says that defeating shame means doing these things:

  • Identifying when you feel shame and why

  • Assessing the hidden expectations behind your shame

  • Sharing your story of shame with others

  • Asking for help when you feel shame

My blog is where I share my stories of shame. I unpack the origins of my shame, the lessons I’ve learned in letting it go, and wisdom for those who want to do the same.