Antidote to Toxic Shame
The following poem is an antidote to the original Toxic Shame poem by John Bradshaw and Leo Booth
Antidote to Toxic Shame
I was there at your conception
In the breath of your mother’s courage
You felt me in the nurturing waters of her womb
I came upon you before you could speak
Before you understood
Before you had any way of knowing, I was guiding you
I held you when you were learning to walk
When you were unguarded and whole
When you were vulnerable and open-hearted
My name is Loving Kindness
I embraced you when you were magical
Before the world could teach you otherwise
I mended the fracture of your soul
I wrapped you in light and warmth
I whispered, “You are enough.”
I offered feelings of trust, beauty, wisdom, and worthiness
I gave you the freedom to explore your inner world
I reminded you that nothing was ever wrong with you
I honored your divine essence
My name is Self-Worth
I existed before shame,
Before guilt, before judgment
I am the master emotion of love
I am the internal voice that whispers words of acceptance
I am the calming breath that courses through you
With tenderness, I say, “You are safe.”
My name is Emotional Safety
I live in the light
In the clear open skies of authenticity, joy, and connection
I arrive with gentle strength
I walk through the front door, invited, cherished
I was there when you stepped into your power
I will be there with each step of your journey
I come from those who teach healing, love, and belonging
I am empowered by the quiet resilience of your soul
The kind words of a friend
The gentle mirror of your own reflection
My name is Empathy
I thrive in communities that honor diversity
In the empowerment of your true self
I stand against injustice and remind you of your worth
I offer freedom from pain that once felt eternal
A release that opens the doors to joy
I am the strength that holds you, night and day
With firm boundaries that protect and empower
My name is Resilience
You no longer need to hide from me, or your life
For I now live inside of you, woven into your very being
I stir your heart with inspiration and endless possibility
Guiding you to see that there is always a new path to create
My name is Creativity
My presence is so grounding
That you pass me on to others
Through kindness, vulnerability, empowerment, and love
My presence is so profound
That you no longer need to numb
For I teach you to feel
To heal
My name is Compassion
I live in your truth
In the depths of your being
I am the light within you
I am spiritual abundance
The harmony of love and acceptance
The antidote to compulsion
My name is Wholeness
I am healing, connection, redemption, and rebirth
I am the compassionate flame that burns away old cycles
I am your pathway to freedom
You will pass me on for generations
My name is Transformation
If these words have resonated with you, and you're ready to step into healing, self-compassion, and emotional safety, I invite you to take the next step.
Imagine breaking free from the cycles of shame, embracing your worth, and transforming your life from the inside out. Together, we can rewrite the story and create space for your authentic self to thrive.
I know the path because I’ve walked it, and I’m here to guide you. Let’s explore how my trauma-informed coaching can support you in reclaiming your power, finding your emotional safety, and stepping into the life you deserve.
Book an introductory call with me today, and let’s begin your journey toward healing and transformation.
You are not alone in this journey. The weight of toxic shame doesn't define you—it never has.
This Poem was a collaboration with OpenAI. I love what we came up with together.
