How does one deal with shame and embarrassment around their drinking behaviour? In this Q&A episode, host Anna Donaghey tackles this deeply personal question from a listener who struggles with past actions and memory gaps related to their drinking. Drawing from Brené Brown's research, Anna breaks down the differences between shame, guilt, humiliation, and embarrassment, offering practical journalling exercises and self-compassion techniques to help listeners process and move beyond their shame. She explains why shame thrives in silence and provides actionable steps for writing a self-forgiveness letter to release the burden of past regrets. Here are the highlights: 00:57 Shame from drinking spans minor embarrassments to significant life impacts, including broken relationships and neglect. 08:09 Embarrassment is temporary and sometimes humorous, unlike the persistent nature of shame. 12:26 Use journalling to shift from self-judgment to self-compassion 15:19 Reflect and write on struggles. 18:01 Write kind words to yourself as you would to a friend. 22:29 Expressing and confronting personal regrets and emotions can be transformative and healing. For the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registration Anna’s new coaching programme ‘Unstuck!’ helps break the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: The Unstuck! programme If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink About the host Anna: Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna: Website: thebeliefscoach.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink Produced by winteraudio.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607
