Facing Shame Head-On: Joe Ryan's Road to Recovery
The path to freedom has to go through shame... But unless I am perfect, I am worthless and I have to learn to do things and put things out in the world and show up in the world when I am not fully prepared and I have to deal with making mistakes and being criticized and being judged, and build up a fucking strength to the negativity that's going to come your way.
Ever wondered how deep-rooted shame can shape your life? Joe Ryan takes you on a raw and honest journey through his experiences as a shame-based addict in this episode of 'It's Not You, It's Your Trauma'. Joe opens up about the self-conscious, shame-filled feelings that haunted him from his first drink at age 10 to heavy drug use later in life.
He shares how these feelings led him to build walls around himself, hiding from his true self and the world. Imagine looking in the mirror and seeing not an adult ready to face life, but an emotional child overwhelmed by shame. Joe talks about how he dealt with this painful reflection by withdrawing from daily activities and sabotaging relationships to avoid vulnerability. He explains that shame can be a paralyzing force, making even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable.
But there's hope. Joe emphasizes that acknowledging and examining shame is the first step towards healing. He shares his personal strategies for dealing with shame without resorting to mood-altering substances. Joe's story is a powerful reminder that breaking free from shame and addiction is possible. He encourages listeners to face their fears, step out of their comfort zones, and start showing up for themselves, even when they don't feel fully prepared.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with shame or addiction, offering not just empathy but practical advice on the road to recovery.