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. And, 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 or didn't do. 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. It is time to truly rid yourself of old baggage and shame. Today, 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 or to write it out so that you can see your shame as separate from yourself. 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, give yourself some time to lighten your load and let go of your shame. You are always enough just because you exist.

Just for today, I affirm that I am enough. I do not have to earn love. I am loveable because I exist. Others reflect the love I have for myself. 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. I forgive and set myself free. I am safe and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.