Have you ever felt shame for having a health issue? Wanted to hide your condition or play down your pain?
I have felt shame for having rheumatoid arthritis.
I’ve felt embarrassed to admit when I’m in pain. I’ve felt ashamed asking for help for even simple things, like opening a bottle of water.
Having been a burlesque performer for many years, I've had to overcome my onstage insecurities about my physical limitations from the disease.
It took me years to feel comfortable opening up, allowing feelings of vulnerability, and sharing my story of living with a chronic illness.
So when my friend and international burlesque star Michelle L’amour publicly “came out” with her struggles with having alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss, it was powerful, inspiring, and familiar.
Brené Brown, a research professor, lecturer, author, and podcast host known for her research on shame and vulnerability has this incredibly thought-provoking quote,
Shame hates it when we reach out and tell our story. It hates having words wrapped around it - it can't survive being shared. Shame loves secrecy... When we bury our story, the shame metastasizes.
In honor of releasing shame, opening our hearts, embracing vulnerability, and learning to love ourselves as we are, I am excited to share that Michelle is my guest on podcast episode 86.
In this episode, I introduce you to the moving, insightful beauty of international burlesque star, Michelle L’amour, who was diagnosed with alopecia areata at a very young age. Listen to Michelle’s story of living with this autoimmune disease, hair loss, body image insecurities, and feelings of isolation. Hear how she overcame hiding her condition and feeling she had lost herself to embarking on a quest for self-love and self-advocacy, ultimately learning internal validation to be her authentic self.
You won’t want to miss our conversation.
Love, Your Wellness Coach,
Alyssa
August 17, 2022
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