#459 – How does your Ghost of Misplaced Shame keep you under-being?

If you’ve ever wanted the earth to swallow you right after taking a bold step, it’s not you — it’s your Ghost of Misplaced Shame.

When the idea first appears (“Yeah, I’ll ask for that pay bump!”), it says nothing. It just watches you over the readers perched on the tip of its nose, pretending to read a magazine.

So, feeling free, you muster your courage, clear your throat, and ask — via email. Wow, that felt good, you think, adrenaline flooding your system.

Then the next day, reality hits. You did send the email. You did make the ask. That’s when the Ghost puts down the magazine, takes off the readers, and rages: What were you thinking?

Your heart thumps. Suddenly, you’re aware of every one of your flaws — all at once. How did you dare ask for a raise? What made you think you deserved one?

A thick darkness comes over you, and you’d rather disappear.

What if shame were just a sign that you are expanding?

Love,

Carolina