Spirituality Malaysia : Issue of shame

Issue of shame
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Shamala Tan on 01 December, 2008 03:39:00
 
I used to be notoriously famous in some pubs for throwing up all over the place.
Yes, these were my regular haunts where I never fail to go overboard with my
drinking. In one particular pub, the bartenders know me so well that every time
I walk in, they hand me a plastic bag and ask me to hang it around my ears, just
in case.
I know that many of the people I used to know such as the bartenders can never
believe that I am a different person now. It is funny how decisions we make in
life affect us on so many levels.
In all of these years, I have counseled so many people from all walks of life.
The key challenge for many who have made mistakes in the past and would like to
start anew is the issue of shame.
Shame holds people back, and puts them in a position of fear and guilt which can
also lead to self punishment.
Remarks by others to hang a plastic bag around my ears can be humiliating from a
negative perspective. And if I gave it the power to hold me back, I would still
be hiding behind the bottle.
If shame is what is holding you back, stand tall and allow the words of others
to slide off you, and continue to walk with dignity for the past has no hold
over you, unless you allow it to. Instead, walk towards the creation of a better
and more powerful tomorrow.
@ 2008 Shamala Tan