I am on disability assistance. I do what I can to manage. It is something I at times have had to defend.

I also avoid having people over...

The problem? I am ashamed of how I live.

I wonder how you others deal with this. Indeed, do you even feel this way at times?

I couldn't avoid volunteering. It's been my turn for months now. My art and coffee chums are due in a matter of hours for an afternoon of creativity. They have done very well for themselves. One even has a very large manse in the country.

And so, here I am pulling out all the coping mechanisms in my CBT toolbox. I feel unpleasantly sick to my stomach. I've even considered cancelling.

Nervous and ashamed.