My whole life, I've thought that 'if people knew the real me, they'd NEVER accept me!' Recently, I realised this is the toxic shame I've been reading about.. My dad didn't want me, and I reacted to that experience with shame.. I thought it was about me, my fault, that there was something SO wrong with me he couldn't possibly accept me..

I've worked like crazy in therapy and have started to realise my dad's feelings and behaviour was not about me but about who he is, his experiences, the person he has become in life.. But I still haven't been able to stop thinking no one can ever love me..

My therapist called me up on this lack of trust the other day, and now I'm thinking, maybe someone can love me.. One day. Maybe it is safe to let people see the 'real me'.. Maybe I don't have to exhaust myself anymore by keeping myself hidden all the bloody time..!!

[Sassandclass]

This post is so hopeful! I'm happy you're starting to get to the root of your toxic shame and shedding it from your life. Keep going!

[Fuzzybear]