Monday, June 3, 2013

Shame 4-Family

We continue our 12-part series on shame, based on Brene′ Brown’s book, Daring Greatly. 


Our publishing schedule will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Each week we are introducing each blog with this quote from Brene′.

“People often want to believe that shame is reserved for people who have survived an unspeakable trauma, but this is not true.  Shame is something we all experience.  And while it feels as if shame hides in our darkest corners, it actually tends to lurk in all of the familiar places.  Twelve ‘shame categories’ have emerged from my research.”

Today’s Topic …

Family
Shame over one’s family can be a huge obstacle to overcome.  Having skeletons in the family closet is next unto a death sentence and shame can rear its ugly head and beat us down over this one. 

Of course we could change our name and hide as much of our negative family history as possible, but we still live with the knowledge inside of us. 

I find the best advice straight from Brene’s book.  Listen to this:

“If you own your story you get to write the ending.”  You may not like what your family stands for and the shame associated with that story, but you get to help create a different ending.  Love that. 

Brene reminds us of this great quote:

“I am not what has happened to me.  I am what I choose to become.”
~Carl Jung

Gotta love the power of choice.

Has your family done you wrong, shamed you, and given you a tough row to hoe?  Take over the telling of your family history and begin by creating a different picture, a different outcome and an improved reputation.

Always, always … seek professional help at any level when the overwhelming overwhelms.


P Michael Biggs
Offering Hope
Encouragement Inspiration
One Word at a Time


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