There is a funny thing called shame. When it creeps up, it can shift how you feel inside. One of my girls recently gave in to some peer pressure and did something unkind to another friend (although nothing earth-shattering). When she came into the house, her whole demeanor was off. I knew something was up. Of course, she did not want to talk about it, especially in front of her sister. When I got her alone and she started to share, you could feel her regret and you could see she was shameful.
The correct action in this situation was to have her apologize for her actions. As we were walking to her friend’s house to do just that, she was crying and did not want to go. Because not only was she ashamed of her poor judgment, she was also embarrassed to have to talk about it again. It was one of those things she just wanted it to go away.
Sometimes we do things we regret. Shame feels yucky, and embarrassment adds to the unsettling feeling in your stomach. But here is the thing- if you don’t course-correct right away and make it right, all those gross feelings linger. And honestly, that is not a great place to be.
Any level of shame, regret, or embarrassment should not have a place in your home. Take it and figure out how to get rid of it. Moving onto positive pastures is the only way to live in the right mindset.
Lovely words of wisdom! It’s a hard thing – but it is also healing when corrected. And such beauty will come from the experience!