It's Shame

...if it feels dark and makes us feel bad about being who we are, it’s probably shame. ~ Beattie, Melody. The Language of Letting Go: Hazelden Meditation Series (pp. 235-236). Hazelden Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Course adherents say if we have any agitation, we are in the clutches of the ego. ~ Casey, Karen. Daily Meditations for Practicing The Course (Kindle Locations 2597-2598). Hazelden Publishing. Kindle Edition.

The literature of Recovery
is replete with "shame" and "ashamed."
That's because the life stories
of Recovering people teem with shame:
a painful feeling of humiliation
or distress caused
by the consciousness of wrong
or foolish behavior.
It dominates our histories
and tales of Before.
We discuss it in all Twelve Steps
and it lingers through years in the Rooms.
When discomfort riddles your day,
consider the probability the culprit is shame.
Shame well deserved can be dealt with
in Steps Four, Five, Six, Seven,
Eight, Nine and Ten.
But does your shame arise
from talking about feelings, making choices,
taking care of ourselves, having fun,
being successful, or feeling good about ourselves?
That's shame undeserved. Forgive yourself,
accept your right to Recovery,
and choose joy, serenity, and peace!