If you have ever done something you feel shame about
Feeling ashamed is ok so that you don't do it again but don't get stuck in a shame spiral ....learn ...accept...move on.....do better
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DrWatson · 70-79, M
I have done a lot of thinking about shame.
Terry Bradshaw has a book called 'Healing the Shame That Binds You", in which he distinguishes between healthy shame and unhealthy shame. His book focuses on the latter, but he does acknowledge the former.
It's been a while since I read it, so I don't remember exactly what he said, but here is how I distinguish between the two.
Healthy shame says "I am ashamed that I did that, because I am a better person than that." This kind of shame moves us to improve. And when we improve, we can shed the shame.
Unhealthy shame says "I am ashamed that I did that, because it shows how I am a horrible person." This kind of shame can paralyze us.
Terry Bradshaw has a book called 'Healing the Shame That Binds You", in which he distinguishes between healthy shame and unhealthy shame. His book focuses on the latter, but he does acknowledge the former.
It's been a while since I read it, so I don't remember exactly what he said, but here is how I distinguish between the two.
Healthy shame says "I am ashamed that I did that, because I am a better person than that." This kind of shame moves us to improve. And when we improve, we can shed the shame.
Unhealthy shame says "I am ashamed that I did that, because it shows how I am a horrible person." This kind of shame can paralyze us.