How can I stop being ashamed of my feelings?

Lara Honos-Webb, PhD

Psychology

If you find yourself ashamed of many of your feelings, or if you have a difficult time knowing what you feel, you might try experimenting with some of the following replacement rules:

I can feel as mad as I want for as long as I want.
I can feel as afraid as I want for as long as I want.
I can feel as sad as I want for as long as I want.
I can feel as happy as I want for as long as I want.
I can wake up excited every day.
I can make mistakes.
I can create my own rules.

This final rule is the most important rule. It gives you permission to author your own rules, to become your own authority. Creating your own rules is a scary process, and you may experience consequences that result in major life changes.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.