How much of our lives can be shaped by the judgement we expect from others?
Watch the episode:
For more than three decades, Justine Martin carried a secret that affected how she saw herself, the relationships she formed and the decisions she made.
When she was 22 and about to give birth to her first child, Justine learned she had genital herpes. What followed was an emergency caesarean and years of shame surrounding a diagnosis she feared others would judge her for.
In this conversation on Chocolate and Coffee Break: A Compassionate Proposition, Andrea Putting sits down with Justine to explore what happens when shame becomes part of how we see ourselves, and what it takes to begin speaking openly about something we’ve kept hidden.
Justine shares the challenges of growing up with a mother who had multiple sclerosis, becoming her carer at a young age, experiencing relentless bullying and facing motherhood alone. These early experiences shaped her understanding of herself long before her diagnosis added another burden.
They explore the stigma surrounding genital herpes, the fear of being judged, and the moment another woman’s openness about living with HIV encouraged Justine to speak publicly about her own experience.
Justine also shares what happened when she finally told her adult children the truth. After 32 years of carrying shame, her son’s unexpected response challenged what she had believed for so long.
This is a conversation about the damage shame can do, the importance of how we respond when someone trusts us with their story, and the possibility of finding freedom from judgement.
Brew the Change
This week, have a conversation about something you would normally avoid talking about.
Share your perspective, invite others to share theirs and stay curious about what comes up.
Respect people’s privacy and allow them to decide what they are comfortable sharing.
About Justine Martin
Justine Martin is an international keynote speaker, business owner and author of Moxie: How I Learned to Harden the F Up. She shares her experiences of adversity and resilience through her speaking, writing and businesses.
Website: https://justinemartin.com.au
Join the Conversation
What happens when we begin to question the judgement we’ve carried about ourselves?
Watch the episode and share your thoughts in the comments.
Pour yourself a cuppa, grab your favourite chocolate and join the conversation.
Let Love Be the Loudest Voice.
