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First place Quote by Donald Miller

“How a memory as startling as that had been lost for so long is a mystery. I knew in some ways I was still that kid. Like Bill said, I was a kid wearing a costume covering who I was, my flaws and my imperfections and my humanity. I don’t know why it felt so good to realize it, but it did. I was…” quote by Donald Miller
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““How a memory as startling as that had been lost for so long is a mystery. I knew in some ways I was still that kid. Like Bill said, I was a kid wearing a costume covering who I was, my flaws and my imperfections and my humanity. I don’t know why it felt so good to realize it, but it did. I was still that kid. And here’s the other thing I suddenly realized: he was a good kid, a really good kid. I know he lied about the dog and I know he was awkward, but that was a good kid. Right there at Onsite I started crying, not because I’d peed my pants in school, but because I realized in running and hiding I’d sided with the other kids, I’d learned to believe there was something wrong with me. And it wasn’t true. I might have been different, but there was nothing wrong with me. I was such a good little kid. I was annoying, I know, but I was basically a good little kid. THAT STORY HELPED ME UNDERSTAND WHY I started developing an act in the first place. As soon as I found something I could use to cover my shame, I grabbed it and wore it around and in some ways felt like the real me was hidden behind a disguise.””

Donald Miller

About This Quote

A person discovers that their childhood self, despite flaws and shame, was fundamentally good, realizing that protective personas hide true humanity.

In simple terms: Childhood self is good despite flaws.

Key Takeaway

Accept your inner goodness.

Themes

self-acceptance identity healing vulnerability

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

personal psychological

When to use this quote

  • therapy
  • personal growth
  • self-reflection
  • overcoming shame

Key Concepts

psychology self-concept masking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you recognize your own good core?
  • What masks do you use to hide shame?
A Different Perspective

The narrative may oversimplify complex trauma.

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