There is a wide array of topics of conversation that we feel uncomfortable with, and as a result, most of us try to avoid. Shame is a deeply painful sensation that stems from the belief that we’re not good enough, and that this shortcoming will prevent us from being accepted by and belonging to a group. shame is a silent epidemic, according to American researcher Brene Brown, it’s rarely mentioned as one of the strongest drivers of most behaviours on both individual and […]

I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t): Summary Review I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t): Summary Review

Laughter is the evidence that the chokehold of shame has been loosened. Knowing laughter is the moment we feel proof that our shame has been transformed. Like empathy, it strips shame to the bone, robs it of its power and forces it from the closet.” I am so overwhelmed by this book. It has been life-changing for me. But I am afraid to share an honest review, because of how people who know me and read the review will judge me. Brown, B. (2010). The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are . USA: Hazelden. The importance of empathy: The author emphasizes the importance of empathy in reducing feelings of shame, and provides tips for developing empathy and becoming a more compassionate person. Instead of a synopsis or thinly veiled attempt at sounding studious, I thought I'd extract a few quotes that, while written about and for a female audience, hit home for me and that I think are representative of the importance of the work presented in this volume. Though the things that trigger shame are different for men and women, the feelings are the same. However, there is great relief in understanding the experience is universally experienced (hence, the title).

The ability to recognize and understand their shame triggers. High levels of critical awareness about their shame web. The willingness to reach out to others. The ability to speak shame." pg 67 However, avoiding talking about shame means that not everyone understands what it is. That is what we are here to explain.

I Thought It Was Just Me but It Isnt: Making the Journey from

The power of vulnerability: Brown argues that vulnerability is the key to overcoming shame, and highlights the importance of being open and honest about one's experiences and emotions. Sentence-Summary: I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t) helps you understand and better manage the complicated and painful feeling of shame. Shame is a visceral emotion whose exact characteristics are difficult to describe, but at its core, it has to do with a feeling of not being good enough. Articulating such an experience can be difficult – after all, discussing shame requires us to, at least to a certain degree, relive the pain it causes.

What are the chapters in I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t)?

That being said, when the author interviewed over 300 people about how they experience shame, she discovered a theme; shame is a negative feeling connected to a sense of rejection and the exposure of aspects of ourselves that we tend to hide. On a more positive note, Brown writes everyone has experienced this at some point or another. She uses this universality of experience to issue a clarion call for change. To foster shame resilience, we should build networks of support and be kind to each other by showing our own vulnerability. We're all in this together.

Shame Resilience Theory - Habits for Wellbeing Shame Resilience Theory - Habits for Wellbeing

However, the content was still amazing. A little too research heavy with less of the storytelling aspect that I love—but the stories are present don’t you worry. Reaching out and telling our story (i.e. by reaching out to our support network and sharing our story, we can increase our resilience and create change), and

What do critics say?

There are plenty of uncomfortable topics of conversation that most of us will try to steer clear of, but one subject that people particularly loathe discussing is the emotion of shame. As a result, many of us don’t have a proper understanding of what it really is.