This is a story I never thought I’d share publicly. It involves my bladder, a lot of childhood shame, and how one of my most embarrassing struggles ended up making me a softer, more compassionate mom.
In this episode, I open up about what it was like to deal with bladder issues well into elementary school, how that shaped the way I saw myself, and the years I spent carrying quiet shame. I also share how that experience became a surprising gift, one that allowed me to show up with more tenderness and patience when my own child faced potty training challenges.
We talk about:
My earliest experience with shame (and how it lived in my body for years)
How shame is different from guilt—and why that matters
How healing my own story helped me become the mom I needed as a child
What it looks like to reframe painful memories with grace and curiosity
If you've ever felt like your past disqualified you or made you "too much," I hope this episode helps you feel a little more seen—and a little more free.
If you have questions or want to reach out, my email is hello@anniejoy.com
