Fear
This type of distorted thinking makes a small fear grow into a massive disaster in your mind.
What is catastrophizing?
This is the sneaky inner voice that tells you you are bad rather than you did something bad.
What is the inner critic (or self-critical voice)?
This hormone, often called the “cuddle chemical,” helps us bond, trust, and feel connected to others — even after a good hug or a deep talk.
What is oxytocin?
This small but mighty part of the brain stores emotional memories, which is why certain smells or songs can bring feelings rushing back.
What is the hippocampus?
Stretching over 13,000 miles, this structure was built to protect China’s northern borders and can even be seen from space (sort of).
What is the Great Wall of China?
This is your body’s built-in alarm system that activates when you sense danger—even if the threat isn’t actually there.
What is the fight-flight-freeze response?
This all-or-nothing thought pattern often fuels shame by making us believe, “If I’m not perfect, I’m a failure.”
What is perfectionism thinking?
Known as the “feel-good” hormone, this chemical spikes when we experience pleasure or accomplish something — it’s the brain’s little “reward hug.”
What is dopamine?
Known as the “thinking center” or “CEO” of the brain, this part helps us plan, focus, and make thoughtful decisions.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
Built as a massive amphitheater for gladiator battles, this Roman landmark remains one of Italy’s most iconic attractions.
What is the Colosseum?
When fear is helpful, it serves this important function in keeping us alive and alert.
What is self-protection?
Shame often drives this avoidant behavior pattern—like withdrawing, hiding, or pretending to be “fine.”
What is avoidance?
This stress hormone is helpful in small doses, but when it stays high for too long, it can lead to anxiety, fatigue, or even burnout.
What is cortisol?
This part of the brain is the “alarm system” that sounds off when we feel fear, stress, or danger — sometimes even when the threat isn’t real.
What is the amygdala?
Perched high in the Andes Mountains, this Incan citadel in Peru is often called “The Lost City.”
What is Machu Picchu?
When fear keeps you from doing something you value—like going to a party or speaking up—it’s often fueled by this avoidance-based behavior pattern.
What is safety behavior (or avoidance behavior)?
Shame can grow stronger when we avoid sharing our feelings. This kind of honest communication can shrink it.
What is vulnerability?
This hormone, released after exercise or laughter, helps boost mood and reduce pain — it’s your body’s natural “feel-good” medicine.
What are endorphins?
This “chemical messenger” system in the brain controls mood, motivation, and reward — it’s what lights up when you achieve a goal or experience joy.
What are neurotransmitters?
You can visit this New Wonder of the World in India, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of love.
What is the Taj Mahal?
This technique involves intentionally shifting your attention away from fear and grounding yourself in the present moment using your five senses.
What is grounding (or mindfulness grounding)?
One of the best antidotes to shame is practicing this skill — responding to yourself the way you’d treat a dear friend who made a mistake.
What is self-compassion?
When stress hits, your body releases this hormone — sometimes called the “fight-or-flight fuel” — that prepares you to react quickly.
What is adrenaline?
This brain chemical is linked with calm, contentment, and emotional balance — and can be boosted through mindfulness or gratitude.
What is serotonin?
This massive stone monument in Egypt is the only surviving Wonder of the ancient world.
What is the Great Pyramid of Giza?