I remember the first moment as an adult when I realized that some of my ancient ruins included fear of abandonment and shame.

Through many years of therapy, I learned to recognize the effects of a shame-based mindset in my own life. If you aren’t sure whether or not you have ever experienced any shame-based trauma (or whether you’ve given any to others), l found this great site with some very helpful information.

As I read, I saw the toxic ways I was responding to the shame I learned in my childhood. I also discovered ways to replace the old negative messages with positive ones.

I know how quickly my tongue can be critical. A snark is so much easier than expressing my feelings honestly, but I am determined to tame my tongue and break down some of my own ancient ruins.

Ancient Ruins

Stones speak 
the language of time,
but the old women
could crush 
a stone 
with the tip 
of their tongues.
Gosssip
hisssing 
like catss 
whisspering
sussed out 
ssecrets
sshaming —
heads held high,
hands folded with piety,
noses turned down 
inside their houses of glass.

 —a Draft by Carla Jeanne Picklo Jordan 

Let me know what you think in the comments below. Share the love, write a poem, appreciate a good friend. Each moment is a new beginning.