Summary
Nina hosts a conversation with Sarah, a shame coach, who shares her journey and insights on the relationship between shame and alcohol. Sarah discusses her early experiences with shame, stemming from her upbringing in a single-parent household, and how these feelings influenced her career in education and ultimately led her to become a coach. She emphasizes the importance of understanding shame as a profound feeling of unworthiness that can significantly impact one's sense of self.
The dialogue explores the cycle of shame and alcohol use, where individuals often drink to numb feelings of inadequacy, leading to further shame and a repetitive cycle of avoidance. Sarah highlights the distinction between shame and guilt, explaining that while guilt can motivate change, shame attacks the core of one's identity, making it harder to address issues. She advocates for creating safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences, as this can help diminish the weight of shame and foster connection.
Sarah also addresses the challenges faced by those in recovery, particularly the fear of confronting difficult emotions that arise when one stops drinking. She stresses the importance of self-compassion and understanding the reasons behind one's behaviors, encouraging individuals to seek support and explore their feelings without judgment. The conversation concludes with Sarah offering practical advice for those beginning their sober journey, emphasizing the need for kindness towards oneself and the gradual exploration of change.
Show Notes
Sarah is a coach specialising in shame - often in the context of a problematic relationship with alcohol. It goes without saying the two are unhealthy bedfellows. The cycle, which Nina compares to a hamster wheel, is a common one. We numb our shame with alcohol, engendering further shame; we then rinse and repeat, over and over again. Sarah explains how it's possible to break this destructive cycle, shares strategies for first addressing and then managing your shame, and offers genuine hope it's something all of us can overcome. Find out more about Sarah's work here. Nina's Wonderfully Sober Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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