Shame is quiet, but its impact is loud. It shows up in our relationships, our growth, and even our faith. In Dominican culture, silence was often survival — “eso no se dice,” “keep it in the family” — but silence has a cost: it disconnects us from others and from ourselves.

In this episode of Unfiltered & Unapologetic, we dive into how shame works, how it has been passed down through cultural expectations, and what it looks like to finally break free.

Segment 1: Shame as Disconnection

Shame makes us hide — we laugh when we’re hurting, stay silent when we want to speak, and bury parts of who we are.
✨ Journal Prompt: Where in my life have I stayed silent to protect someone else’s image?
💡 Affirmation: I honor my truth.

Segment 2: Shame in Love & Friendship

Shame shows up in intimacy — women told to endure, men told not to cry, and body shaming that shapes how we connect.
✨ Journal Prompt: How has shame about my body or worth influenced the way I show up in relationships?
💡 Affirmation: I deserve relationships where I am seen and valued as I am.

Segment 3: How Shame Blocks Growth

Shame keeps us small, afraid to try, and guilty for wanting more — especially when family pride and pressure weigh heavy.
✨ Journal Prompt: Where has shame stopped me from pursuing opportunities or dreams?
💡 Affirmation: I give myself permission to grow, expand, and receive more.

Segment 4: Spiritual Reflection

Shame says we’re unworthy — but God says we’re already loved, already worthy, already enough.
✨ Journal Prompt: Where has shame made me feel unworthy of God’s love?
💡 Affirmation: I am already loved, worthy, and enough.

Segment 5: Reclaiming Your Voice, Redefining Strength, Coming Back to Yourself

Healing begins when we speak up, redefine strength as vulnerability, and return to the self shame taught us to abandon.
✨ Journal Prompt: Where in my life do I need to reclaim my voice, redefine strength, or come back to myself?
💡 Affirmation: My voice matters. My softness is strength.

Segment 6: Breaking Free Together

Breaking free is generational work — every act of honesty, tenderness, and truth plants seeds for those who follow.
🙏 Closing Prayer: God, today I release the shame that was never mine to carry. Remind me that I was created worthy, that my voice matters, and that my softness is strength. Let this healing ripple out to my family, my community, and the generations to come. Amen.

🎙️ Listen now to Breaking Free from Shame, Fear, and Disconnection on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all platforms.

🙏 Your support keeps this Dominican healing space alive. This podcast is a refuge — where we name what hurts, heal out loud, and reclaim our faith, culture, and tenderness. Support the show with a monthly contribution on Buzzsprout. With your contribution, I can keep creating honest, purposeful, and soul-rooted episodes. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500478/support

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