Pandora's Box: The Cost of Fitting In vs. the Freedom of Belonging
This week, Pandora returns for a very personal solo episode, reflecting on themes of shame, self-worth, identity, and belonging. After a tough few weeks of physical pain and mental spiralling, she shares how reconnecting with her values — and stepping out of the victim mindset — has helped her find a little more hope.Drawing on her lived experience with OCD and an eating disorder, she opens up about the difference between fitting in and belonging — and how so much of her life has been shaped by the struggle to feel understood. From childhood compulsions to navigating stigma, isolation, and shame, Pandora explores what it means to advocate for yourself and live in alignment with who you truly are.In this episode, Pandora discusses:
How physical pain can intensify mental rumination and anxiety
Her personal battle with OCD and the intense shame that often accompanies it
Why belonging is a human need, and why fitting in often isn’t the answer
The emotional toll of growing up misunderstood — and how healing begins with being seen
Creating space for your quirks, needs, and values — and the courage it takes to do so
She also references:
Lucy Hale’s conversation on the Lewis Howes Podcast — on shame, addiction, and recovery
Elizabeth Day’s book Friendaholic, exploring the purpose and evolution of friendships
Johann Hari’s work on addiction and connection
Oscar Wilde’s famous quote: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Plus — a reminder to catch this week’s powerful guest episode with Dr. Elizabeth Kilbey, author of Unplugged, on how social media and digital addiction are impacting children’s mental health — and how we can help: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dr-elizabeth-kilbey-on-the-truth-about-children-tech/id1649515453?i=1000709086046Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Om Podcasten
Welcome to the Hurt to Healing podcast with me, Pandora Morris. I’ve been fighting an uphill battle with my mental health for years and it’s only now that I’ve started to see some glimmers of light. It’s almost unbelievable to think I am starting this podcast considering my incessant compulsions would normally try to talk me out of it. But here I am, continuing to fight my invisible bullies one day at a time.
As part of my own recovery, I’ve made it my mission to support as many of you as possible on your own healing journey. I’ll be speaking to wonderful people from all walks of life who will open up about their own invisible struggles in the hope that it will provide a bit of solace and comfort for some of you. I’ll also be speaking to leading experts and doctors about different disorders and therapies that might help each of you expand your knowledge on the world of mental health.