The Impediment to Happiness: Shame

Shame is identified as the biggest impediment to happiness in life. It is distinct from guilt and is characterized by feeling bad about oneself rather than just feeling bad about actions done. Shame can stem from various aspects of ourselves, including normal biological urges, unique artistic tastes, or struggles with social cues. Unfortunately, shame is often inherited and passed down by parents through cutting remarks, unnecessary judgments, and thoughtless choices. Breaking this cycle of shame is crucial, and parents should allow their children to embrace their uniqueness, encouraging them to be comfortable in their own skin.