The End of Perfection (and the Beginning of Something Deeper

🎙️ Soul Recovery: Breaking Free from PerfectionismEpisode 6: The End of Perfection (and the Beginning of Something Deeper)

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this closing episode of the Breaking Free from Perfectionism series, Gary reflects on the full journey we’ve taken—from understanding perfectionism as a trauma response to uncovering the hidden costs it carries in our lives.

This episode also bridges us into the next Soul Recovery series: Breaking the Spell of Shame—a powerful 3-part exploration of where shame begins, how it shapes us, and what it takes to step into wholeness.

We cover:

A recap of the key insights from Episodes 1–5

How shame and perfectionism are deeply connected

Why perfectionism is the armor we wear when we fear rejection

What the next podcast series will explore

An invitation to continue this journey of healing, courage, and reconnection

💬 Quotes from the Episode:

“Perfectionism isn’t who you are—it’s who you thought you had to be to feel safe, seen, or loved.”

“Shame isn’t just an emotion—it’s a story. And often, it’s not even your story. It was handed to you. And now, you get to question it.”

“This is the end of perfection. And the beginning of something deeper.”

🔜 Next Series:

The inner War·  Episode 1: Naming the WarWhy your inner pain is real—and not your fault.

·  Episode 2: Shame as a Survival StrategyWhy shame exists, and how it hijacks your sense of self.

·  Episode 3: The Armor of PerfectionismHow striving becomes protection—and how to lay it down.

·  Episode 4: Meet the Inner CriticWhere that voice comes from, and what it’s really trying to do.

·  Episode 5: The First ReckoningWhen the pain can’t be ignored anymore.

·  Episode 6: The Second ReckoningThe moment you realize: “It wasn’t my fault… but it is my move.”

🧭 Stay Connected:

📝 Get updates + bonus reflections: rewildingyoursoul.substack.com

📘 Read the book: Rewilding Your Soul

🌐 Explore more at 2ndAscent.com