Shame and guilt

There is a difference between shame and guilt.

Shame: the fear of disconnection. Am I worthy of connection?

You're never good enough.
Who do you think you are?
- Shame

Shame is a focus on self, guilt is a focus on behavior.
Shame is "I am bad". Guilt is "I did something bad"
I'm sorry I made a mistake. - Guilt
I'm sorry. I am a mistake. - Shame

The ability to hold something we've done or failed to do up against who we want to be is incredibly adaptive. It's uncomfortable but it's adaptive.

Brenee Brown on Shame, Guilt, Vulnerability

Choice

So this is what life is like

a life that you take hold of

that you make choices in

that you decide

yes

or

no

So this is what life is like

when you shut one door

to fully open another

to finally decide

yes

or

no

You'll never be done
saying
yes
or
no