Breaking Free from Shame and Stepping into Your Brilliance – I have been there, wore that t-shirt, then ripped it up and burnt it.

For all midlife women, raise your hands if you've ever felt the icy grip of shame. That voice that whispers, "Not good enough," "Who do you think you are?" It can be paralysing, holding us back from the very things we yearn for thriving, succeeding, and living life on our own terms.

But here's the truth: shame is a liar. It's a tool used to keep us small, to dim our light, to prevent us from taking up space in the world.

We were not born with shame. It's something that's often learned and conditioned into us by societal expectations, internalised messages, and past experiences. But the good news is, we can unlearn it.

So if you are ready fere are some steps to break free from the shackles of shame and step into your full brilliance:

1. Recognise the Shame Gremlin: The first step is awareness. Notice when the shame gremlin starts chattering in your ear. What triggers it? What are the situations or thoughts that make you feel small and unworthy? Once you identify the gremlin, you can start to challenge its power.

2. Reframe the Narrative: The shame gremlin loves to tell us stories about who we are and what we're capable of. But we get to write our own stories! Reframe the negative narratives into ones of strength, resilience, and self-compassion. Tell yourself, "I'm worthy of pursuing my dreams," "I'm capable of overcoming challenges," and "I'm allowed to make mistakes and learn from them."

3. Surround Yourself with Light: Shame thrives in isolation. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, who believe in your dreams and celebrate your victories. Build a community of women who understand your struggles and champion your journey.

4. Celebrate Your Imperfections: We're all human, which means we're all beautifully flawed. Embrace your imperfections, quirks, and vulnerabilities. They are not weaknesses; they are what make you unique and powerful.

5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same understanding and forgiveness you would offer a friend. Remember, you're not alone in this. We all face challenges and doubts. What matters most is how we choose to respond.

Remember, breaking free from shame is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, moments of self-doubt and setbacks. But with each step you take, you'll become stronger, more resilient, and closer to living the life you truly deserve.

If you love self-help books, here are resources that you may find helpful:

• The Shame Workbook by Brene Brown
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
• You Are a Badass:?How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

Remember, you are not alone. We are in this together. Let's rise above the shadows and step into the light!? If you need me to help guide the way, then please reach out,

With love and kindness

Wendi x

#midlifewomen #awareness #iamenough #shame