“When guilt rears its ugly head confront it, discuss it and let it go. The past is over. ... Forgive yourself and move on.”
~ Bernie S. Siegel
Guilt is such a waste of time and energy, yet I have wasted many precious moments of my life seeped in guilt for things I did or didn’t do. The past is over, there is only now. When I feel guilt now, I look at the situation and face it head on. If I need to apologize, I apologize sincerely and move on. I cannot change the past or what I did, but I can accept responsibility for my actions. We are all doing the best we can at any given moment. We are human and we make mistakes. The important lesson is to learn and grow from our mistakes and if my actions hurt others then it is my responsibility to rectify the situation instead of dwelling in guilt. I lived in a family that used guilt as a motivator. I was susceptible to the “guilt trips” my parents used to get me to do things and be a “good girl.” I have learned that no one can make me feel guilty. I get to choose how I respond to what is said to me. I have learned that at my core, I am good enough and I do not have to succumb to guilt as a manipulation tool to get me to do things. How do you deal with guilt? Are you still hanging on to guilt from your past? How can you confront it and release it?
1 Comment
Mary Ann Brewer
2/17/2016 08:33:59 am
This is such a timely entry. I have often felt "Guilt" should be my middle name. My mother used guilt trips on me, as well, and I was always told I had to be a good girl. Otherwise... Otherwise...what? Peggy I think the Law of Karma applies here. Take responsibility (apologize if appropriate) learn, then meditate to break from the Karma Debt. Send the offended person "love and light" and move on. Using your words: I tell myself "I AM ENOUGH" and I am doing the best I can at this moment.
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Peggy Steffens is an artist and Chopra Certified Meditation Instructor My goal is to build a community with like-minded individuals who want to grow, share and learn from one another. Please post comments to enrich the experience for all.
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