08/31/2021
๐ง๐ฝโโ๏ธโจ"We cannot hang on to feelings of shame and guilt and still hope to become better people. How did these feelings begin? If we were treated badly by people, we need to be honest about what happened so we can resolve it and move on. Have we perpetuated our feelings by acting disrespectfully ourselves? Then we need to take a thorough inventory of our wrongdoings, admit them, make repairs, and let them go.
We may wallow in shame because facing it feels too frightening. Often, we believe our shame is greater than that of others. This belief is usually untrue and grandiose. Itโs part of how we isolate ourselves. We donโt have to face it alone. We have the help of other men and women who can listen to our pain and tell us about their experiences.
Prayer/Meditation: Today, may I find the courage to face my shame and assert my right to self-esteem."
- From Today's Gift by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation