We cannot grow when we are in shame, and we can't use shame to change ourselves or others.

When we deny our stories, They define us. When we own our stories, we get to write the ending.

Why, when we know that there's no such thing as perfect, do most of us spend an incredible amount of time and energy trying to be everything to everyone? Is it that we really admire perfection? No - the truth is that we are actually drawn to people who are real and down-to-earth. We love authenticity and we know that life is messy and imperfect.

We can only belong when we offer our most authentic selves and when we're embraced for who we are.

If we don’t allow ourselves to experience joy and love, we will definitely miss out on filling our reservoir with what we need when. . . . hard things happen.

Perfectionism is a self destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect, and do everything perfectly, I can avoid or minimize the painful feelings of shame, judgment, and blame.

How can we embrace rest and play if we've tied our self-worth to what we produce?