How a Teacher's Public Shaming Liberated Her Voice

Today’s Featured Uplifter: Melissa Petro

I was standing in my kitchen the other day, staring at a pile of produce I'd optimistically purchased, thinking about all the healthy meals I wasn't going to make. That familiar feeling crept in—the one that whispers I'm falling short, not measuring up, failing at yet another standard that seems so effortless for others.

We all have these moments, don't we? Times when we feel the weight of expectations press down on us, making it hard to breathe. These moments aren't just about wilting spinach—they're about the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and whether we're enough.

That's why my conversation with Melissa Petro, author of Shame On You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification, feels like such a gift, especially as we celebrate Women's History Month and reflect on the silencing forces that have shaped women's stories throughout history. After reading her extraordinary book, I found myself noticing all the places where shame shapes our choices—not just in dramatic life moments, but in the quiet, everyday decisions where we make ourselves smaller to avoid the discomfort of being seen.

Melissa knows something profound about shame. After being publicly shamed and losing her teaching career for writing about her past experiences in sex work, she could have disappeared. Instead, she did something radical—she leaned into authenticity, refused to be silenced, and transformed her experience into insight that helps others find their voice.

Her Courage Practice: Turning Toward Vulnerability

What strikes me most about Melissa's approach is her dedication to staying open in moments when most of us would armor up. When someone shares something vulnerable, she doesn't gloss over it with platitudes or change the subject. Instead, she leans in, makes direct eye contact, and creates sacred space for that person's truth to be fully witnessed.

"It's so powerful to be vulnerable in that moment and to invite someone else to be vulnerable enough to receive that is just sacred," she says.

Listen to this if:

• You've ever felt the need to hide parts of your story
• You're curious about how shame influences your decisions
• You want to create deeper connections with others
• You're ready to consider what might be possible if you weren't afraid of judgment

Listen to more Movement Makers here

Uplift With Us!

🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.

💡 Need clarity on your next chapter? Explore private coaching to illuminate your path HERE.

🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.