• Feb 25, 2025

Releasing Shame: Finding Freedom in Self-Compassion

Shame Tells Us We Are Not Enough

And for a long time, we believe it.

Shame is different from guilt. Guilt says, “I did something bad.” Shame says, “I am bad.”

It makes us feel unworthy, unlovable, broken. It whispers that if people really knew us—our thoughts, our past, our mistakes—they would turn away.

Shame isolates us. It convinces us that we must hide, that we are too much or not enough, that we don’t deserve kindness or connection.

But shame is a liar.

And we don’t have to believe it.

Where Does Shame Come From?

Shame often starts early. Maybe we were told we were “too sensitive” or “too much.” Maybe we were shamed for our emotions, our struggles, our differences.

Or maybe we carry shame from past mistakes, believing that we are permanently defined by them.

But no one is meant to live under the weight of shame.

Because who we are is more than our worst moments.

How Do We Heal from Shame?

The instinct is to hide—to keep parts of ourselves locked away, hoping no one will see them.

But healing begins when we do the opposite.

When we bring shame into the light, it starts to lose its grip.

The Power of Self-Compassion

Try this:

• The next time shame arises, pause. Name it: “This is shame talking.”.
• Instead of believing its message, meet it with kindness: “I see you. I know why you’re here. But I do not have to believe you.”
• Ask yourself, “How would I respond to a loved one feeling this way?” Offer yourself that same care.

Shame wants us to believe we are alone. But the truth is, we all carry shame. And we all have the capacity to heal from it.

Shame Does Not Define You

You are not your past.

You are not your mistakes.

You are not broken.

You are worthy—exactly as you are.