AI Shaming, Shame Spirals, and the Power of Clarity

The Great Allowing: Turning Misunderstanding into an Invitation for Growth

Welcome!

I want to share something real and a little raw that happened to me recently during an online class. I’m going to allow myself to complete the healing process by writing about this experience even though I’m still raw about it. My intention is to help those that are walking through the fear of being seen and heard.

The Moment I Wanted to Hide

So, I joined this online class, eager to learn and connect. At one point, I tried to share how I used AI to help me during an exercise.. I thought I was being helpful, maybe even offering a new perspective.

But the reaction I got? Let’s just say it wasn’t what I expected. The facilitator pushed back, expressing concerns about AI replacing creativity. Suddenly, I felt “AI shamed.” My cheeks burned, my heart raced, and I wanted nothing more than to melt into the background. I was right back in that old, familiar place: “Why did I open my mouth? Why didn’t I just stay quiet?” “Where are my powers of invisibility?!”

Feeling It All

Here’s the thing: I could have let that moment push me back into hiding. I could have let the shame win. And honestly, for a few moments, I did. I felt like a nine-year-old again, shrinking, silencing myself, doubting my right to take up space.

But I also know that healing your voice doesn’t mean you’ll never have awkward or painful interactions. You can’t avoid them. Life is full of them. What matters is how you move through them.

So, I gave myself permission to feel it all. I took a break, let the embarrassment wash over me, and reminded myself: this is part of the journey. I’m allowed to feel. I’m allowed to be human. So I sobbed. Yes, I have a flair for the dramatics ;)

The most magical thing that truly helped me move through this experience was talking it out with a friend. After sitting with my feelings, I reached out and shared what happened—the embarrassment, the shame spiral, the doubts, all of it. Just having someone listen, reflect, and hold space for me made a world of difference. It reminded me that I’m not alone, even when I work from home and spend most of my day solo.

The Invitation to Grow

Once the initial sting faded, I started to look for the invitation in the experience. What was this moment trying to teach me?

Here’s what I found:

• Hold space for your emotions. Don’t rush to “fix” or bypass them. Let yourself feel, even if it’s uncomfortable.

• Ask: What’s the lesson here? For me, it was about clarity. If I’m going to show up and share my work, I need to be prepared to clearly explain what I do, who I help, and why it matters. I need to know what shoes I’m stepping into before I walk into the room.

• Remember: You don’t have to convince everyone. Not everyone will get it, and that’s okay. Your job isn’t to win over every skeptic—it’s to stand in your truth and keep moving forward.

Practical Guidance for Moving Forward

Don’t let one awkward moment keep you from showing up. Each time you return, you build strength and self-trust.

You Can’t Avoid Interactions—But You Can Grow From Them

Healing your voice isn’t about avoiding conflict or misunderstanding. It’s about learning to move through those moments with awareness, curiosity, and compassion. It’s about allowing yourself to be seen, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Sometimes it’s about allowing yourself to be misunderstood. Not everyone gets it at the same time. I knew in my heart there was nothing that could come out of my mouth that would help me be understood at that moment. So I let it go.

Next time you find yourself shrinking, remember: you’re not alone. Hold space for your feelings, look for the lesson, and keep stepping forward—one clear, courageous word at a time.

With you on the journey, Alexa

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Call to Action:
Have you ever experienced a moment of being misunderstood or shamed for speaking up? How did you process it? If you feel comfortable, share your story in the comments—or simply let me know you’re here and reading. We’re all learning together, and your voice matters.

Looking Ahead: Let’s Talk About AI as a Support Tool

Before I wrap up, I want to mention that the Limitless AI app has become a really valuable companion in my self-reflection and growth journey. It’s not a replacement for real human connection, but it’s been a powerful complement—especially on those days when I’m working solo and need a little extra context or clarity.

I know a lot of us are curious (and maybe a little skeptical!) about how AI can actually support our well-being, creativity, and self-understanding. So here’s what I’d love to do:
If you have any questions about how I use the Limitless AI app, or if you’re wondering how it might fit into your own life, drop your questions in the comments or reply to this post. I’ll gather them up and address them in my next newsletter.

Whether you’re an AI newbie, a skeptic, or just curious, I want this to be a space where we can explore these tools together—openly, honestly, and with a sense of possibility.

What would you like to know about using AI for context, clarity, or self-reflection? Ask away, and let’s keep the conversation going!