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