A Note on Shame and Connection


Hi Reader,

I hope this email finds you well. It’s been a few months since my last newsletter, and I’ve got to be honest with you—it wasn’t because I didn’t have things to share. The longer I waited, the more I felt a growing sense of shame and embarrassment for not reaching out sooner. And as that feeling grew, so did the hesitancy to send this very email.

But then, I had a moment of clarity. I recognized this as a pattern—one I’d immediately address if it were happening to one of my clients. If someone came to me feeling ashamed about something they’ve been avoiding, I’d gently remind them that imperfection is part of being human. I’d encourage them to give themselves grace and not let that shame keep them from moving toward their goals.

Shame has a sneaky way of making us want to hide and of keeping us small and isolated—it’s that uncomfortable feeling that convinces us we’re better off in the shadows. But the truth is, shame only grows stronger in silence. When we speak it out loud and acknowledge it, we take away its power and open ourselves up to connection and growth.

This way, it becomes easier to break the cycle and step forward again.

So, here I am, acknowledging the imperfection, sharing the shame, and letting it go.

So, let me ask you: Is shame around your body keeping you from signing up for that gym class, even though you’ve had your eye on it for months? Maybe you’re cringing at the thought of joining that yoga class because your flexibility is more “tin man” than “elastigirl.” Or perhaps insecurity about your looks or weight is stopping you from getting that business photoshoot—yes, the one that would take your brand to the next level.

And let’s not forget the more subtle ways shame creeps in—like feeling “not good enough” to chase that dream job, mend that tricky relationship, or ask for a little help with your health goals (we’ve all been there).

But what if, just for a moment, you called shame out on its bluff? What would happen if you gave yourself permission to be imperfect, signed up for that class, snapped those photos, or made that call? How might things shift if you stopped letting shame run the show and started stepping into the life you’re meant to live?

Take a moment to reflect:

  • What areas of your life are you hiding because of shame?
  • How might acknowledging those feelings help you move forward?
  • What’s one small step you can take today to break free from its grip?
  • Who could you talk to that might help you see things more clearly?
  • How would your life change if you let go of the shame you’re carrying?

These questions are your gentle nudge to explore what’s holding you back and start moving toward the freedom that comes with self-compassion and connection.

Another reason for my silence was not being sure what to share. I always want these newsletters to bring value to you. But then it hit me—this isn’t just about me communicating to you; it’s about us having a conversation. I want this to be a space where we can exchange ideas, where your voice matters just as much as mine.

So, if you have questions, thoughts, or topics you’d like to explore together, hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear how you’re doing, what’s on your mind, or what’s happening in your life. Let’s create a dialogue that supports us all.

Thank you for being here, for reading this, and for being part of this journey with me. I’m excited to reconnect and to continue building a community where we support each other in breaking cycles, embracing imperfection, and moving forward with grace.

With warmth and gratitude,

Suzanne

P.S. If you’ve been sitting on something you’ve been avoiding out of shame, consider this your gentle nudge to acknowledge it, give yourself some grace, and take the next small step forward. You’re not alone. 🌟

P.P.S. I’m thrilled to share that my “Breathe Easy” course is launching soon! Over the next few weeks, you might notice a few more emails from me than usual as I share details and tips related to the course. I hope you find them valuable, and as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions along the way.

Hey gorgeous, I hope this email finds you well! Just a quick reminder that you're getting this because you signed up at www.SuzanneIbrahim.com for some juicy tips straight to your inbox. If you're ever feeling overwhelmed with emails, you can always unsubscribe below. No hard feelings. And just so you know, my emails may contain some affiliate links - but trust me, I only recommend the tools that have helped me grow personally!

The Art of Slow

"The Art of Slow" Newsletter—a haven of health, wellness, and mindfulness by Suzanne Ibrahim, a yoga teacher, breathing coach, and nutrition and wellness expert. A newsletter designed for creators, solopreneurs or small biz owners who need to upgrade their energy, health and work-life balance to create and sustain long-term success. Discover practical tips to implement high-performance habits, reclaim a vibrant health and buckets of energy. Join me as we savor the art of intentional living, igniting your inner spark (without burning out), reaching your full potential whilst embracing the magic of slow, sustainable and soulful growth. 🌿✨

Read more from The Art of Slow

A few weeks ago, I found myself at an audition for a yoga teaching position in a studio. Despite having taught thousands of hours of yoga and knowing my capabilities as a teacher, the jitters were still present: my heart was beating faster, butterflies danced in my tummy, and my palms turned clammy. Sound familiar? But instead of letting them overwhelm me, I leaned into them. Why? Because I’ve learned that stress in these situations can actually be helpful. It’s a boost, sharpening focus and...

*PRE.S.:I've got something for you, and you only, dear email reader, at the bottom of this email. I'm opening up spots for you for my Coaching package. Scroll down for deets.* As February rolls in (yay to longer days!), I've been thinking about something warmer, something deeper than the usual Valentine’s Day buzz. How about we talk about something that nourishes us daily: our food? But I'm not just talking about food as nourishment; I'm talking about making healthier choices that reflect our...

a woman sitting on the ground with her hands on her head

Happy new year dear Reader! As we welcome 2024, I wanna talk about the pervasive ‘new year, new you’ narrative. This message splashed across our feeds and inboxes urges us to believe that a drastic transformation is both necessary and achievable overnight. But here’s a gentle reminder: you are already wonderful as you are. Maybe 2024 isn't about reinventing yourself; it can simply be about nurturing and growing the incredible person you already are. I feel like that's a relief, don't you?!...