Shame-based Behaviors

When I live in shame, which means I believe lies (Faulty Core Beliefs) about my identity and capabilities, my Faulty Core Beliefs will manifest themselves in my thoughts, attitudes and behaviors. Living in shame will preclude me from connecting with myself, others or God or my Higher Power. As a result, I will perceive my experiences and approach my relationships from a position of shame (which will often include pride). When I live in shame, I experience great fear—fear that my faulty beliefs / shame messages are the truth about me. My shame and fear will drive me to act out in a plethora of shame-based manners. I engage in these shame-based behaviors in order to “outrun” or calm my shame and fear; however, these behaviors are traps—it is literally impossible to escape my shame by using these behaviors. Instead, behaviors such as perfectionism and obsessive thinking only serve to reinforce the very Faulty Core Beliefs I am attempting to rid myself of.