To deal with shame and the lies it is telling us, learn the 4 ways that shame makes us feel. This is post 5 in a series on shame. Shame. It's an uncomfortable feeling we try to avoid. It's also a perfectly natural and normal emotion for us to experience. Remember: ... Read More
Things to Remember
Environments Where Shame Thrives
Shame thrives in some environments more than others. Learn which 11 environments help shame flourish. But how none are the cause of shame. This is post 4 in a series on shame. Shame itself is not bad or evil. Shame is just another emotion we feel, like anger, sadness, happiness, ... Read More
How the Lies of Shame Cause Us to Think We Are the Defective Ones
The lies of shame tell us we are the defective ones, but truth breaks the lies of shame we believe about our self. This is post 3 in a series on shame. Lisa was going to surprise her mother by getting herself ready for church all by herself. She picked out a dress. One she could ... Read More
There is No Shame in Feeling Shame
There is no shame in feeling shame; it's just another human emotion, like anger or happiness. Shame is a warning flag that something needs dealing with. This is post 2 in a series on shame. In fifth grade I had one pair of pants. I wish they had been blue. Even brown or tan. A ... Read More
You Are Not Meant to Live in Shame
You are not meant to live in shame. You can feel worthy and loved. This is post 1 in a series on shame. Shame, this feeling of being unworthy of love, to dirty for people to want to be around us, not good enough to belong, is something we have all felt. Maybe someone yells ... Read More
Sock Solutions that Bedazzle
My husband wanders into the kitchen. "Notice anything?" he asks. I glance up from the myriad of morning chores I am multi-tasking. He is dressed for work. Pants belted. Fly zippered. Dress shirt buttoned. Hair combed. Nothing seems amiss. Nothing pops out, screaming for attention. "Not a ... Read More
Remembering the Most Important Part of the Story: 7 Ways Christmas and Telling a Joke Are Alike
Both Christmas and telling a joke need to focus on the most important part of the story. Otherwise they fall a little flat. Nothing kills a joke faster than when you leave a key ingredient out of the story. If you don't set up the joke correctly, the punch line falls rather ... Read More
Adjusting Expectations So Your Soul Can Breathe
Adjusting our expectations creates less stress for us and others, allowing us to enjoy life more fully. I was newly married and hosting my first small dinner party. I was excited, nervous, and had big plans for the night. There would be an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. ... Read More
