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The Work: "Fix My Family Secret"

This study guide is offered to support you in understanding the impact of secrets or lies in families or relationships. As you begin to address the secret/lie, there is nothing you need to do about it now. Acknowledgement is the first step toward healing. It is important for you to understand the costs, benefits and healing opportunities when you allow yourself to acknowledge what has been hidden.

A secret is information withheld or offered to create an image or an illusion. A secret can also be a lie told to protect or defraud. All secrets are born from fear, shame or guilt. If you know or suspect there is a secret or pattern of secrets in your family, ask yourself the following questions to begin the healing process.

Note: When you're done adding your entry, click 'Save' below. You will be able to edit your workbook at any point.
1
What is the secret or lie?
2
Is the secret or lie yours?
3
Who is involved in the secret or lie?
4
Who is protected by the secret or lie?
5
Who is harmed by the secret or lie?
6
Who is involved in the secret or lie?
7
What does it cost you to keep the secret or lie?
8
How does it benefit you to keep the secret or lie?
9
How does it feel to know or keep the secret or lie?
10
What are the lies you tell or have told to keep the secret or lie hidden?
11
What is your fear about what would happen if the secret or lie were revealed?
12
What relationships would be affected if the secret or lie were revealed?
13
Who do you need to forgive as it relates to the secret or lie?

I forgive ___________ for _______________. Write this statement as many times as needed.
14
What do you need to forgive yourself for as it relates to the secret or lie?

I forgive myself for __________________. Write this statement as many times as needed.
Please check the box below if you’d like your answers to be shared with our producers. If you don’t check the box your information will be still be saved and can be accessed by logging in to your Oprah.com account:
I agree that my answers above and related materials (including my username and email) may be shared with OWN and Harpo producers. I understand that I may be contacted by a producer in relation to a future OWN show.
Published on September 21, 2012
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