How to STOP feeling GUILTY: 10 Practical Habits

Guilt is a feeling that can hold us back from achieving our full potential and living a fulfilling life.

It's that nagging voice in the back of our minds that tells us we've done something wrong or that we're not good enough. It can be a powerful emotion that can be difficult to shake off, and it can have a negative impact on our mental and emotional well-being.

For me personally, growing up in a traumatic family environment, I always felt guilty for existing. My parents would always fight over everything, and I always thought that somehow it was my fault that it was happening. I would harbour all of that guilt and always be in a “fixing my parents” and “making sure my parents are happy” mode, which made me an overachieving "perfectionist" and severely degraded my happiness and mental health for two decades.?

But did you know that letting go of guilt can also be an important part of spiritual growth? By releasing ourselves from the burden of guilt, we can open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences, and we can more fully embrace our spiritual path.

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So, what is guilt, and where does it come from?

Guilt is a normal and natural emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. It's a feeling that arises when we believe we have done something wrong or that we are responsible for causing harm or suffering to others. Guilt can be a healthy emotion when it prompts us to take responsibility for our actions and make amends for any harm we may have caused.

However, guilt can also become unhealthy when it consumes us and causes us to feel overwhelmed and distressed. It can lead to feelings of worthlessness and self-blame, and it can have a negative impact on our relationships and overall well-being.

There are several factors that can contribute to feelings of guilt, including:

• Personal values and beliefs: Our personal values and beliefs can influence how we feel about ourselves and our actions. If we believe that we have violated our own values or principles, it can lead to feelings of guilt.
• Social expectations: Society often has certain expectations of how we should behave and treat others. If we feel like we have failed to meet these expectations, it can lead to feelings of guilt.
• Past experiences: Past experiences, especially those involving trauma or abuse, can contribute to feelings of guilt. For example, if we have experienced abuse or neglect in the past, we may feel guilty for not being able to prevent it or for not speaking out against it.

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Now that we have a better understanding of what guilt is and where it comes from, let's look at some strategies for letting go of it to achieve spiritual growth:

1 - Acknowledge and accept your feelings

The first step in letting go of guilt is to acknowledge and accept your feelings. This means acknowledging that you are feeling guilty and that it is a normal and natural emotion. By accepting your feelings, you can begin to work through them and move forward.

2 - Identify the cause of your guilt

To let go of guilt, it's important to understand where it's coming from. Take some time to think about what caused you to feel guilty. Was it something you did or said? Was it something that happened in the past? Understanding the root cause of your guilt can help you work through it and let it go.

3 - Practice self-compassion

Self-compassion is an important part of letting go of guilt. It involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding, even when you make mistakes. Try to remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that it's okay to be imperfect.

4 - Make amends

If your guilt is related to something you did or said that caused harm or suffering to others, it can be helpful to try to make amends. This might involve apologising, making restitution, or taking other steps to repair the harm that was caused. Making amends can help you feel like you are taking responsibility for your actions and can help you move forward.

5 - Seek support

If your guilt is overwhelming or is causing you significant distress, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional. A therapist or counsellor can offer you tools and strategies for coping with and managing your guilt. They can also help you work through any underlying issues that may be contributing to your guilt, such as past trauma or negative beliefs about yourself.

6 - Practice forgiveness

Forgiveness is an important part of letting go of guilt. It involves letting go of resentment and anger towards yourself or others, and it can be a powerful tool for healing and moving forward. While it can be difficult to forgive yourself or others, it can ultimately help you feel more at peace and allow you to move on from the guilt.

7 - Set boundaries

Setting healthy boundaries can also be helpful in letting go of guilt. This means learning to say no to things that do not align with your values or that cause you unnecessary stress or discomfort. By setting boundaries, you can better protect your own well-being and reduce the likelihood of feeling guilty for taking care of yourself.

8 - Let go of perfectionism

Perfectionism is a common contributor to feelings of guilt. If we have high standards for ourselves and others, we may feel guilty when we fall short of these expectations. It's important to let go of perfectionism and learn to accept that we are all human and that it's okay to make mistakes.

9 - Practice self-care

Taking care of yourself is essential for managing guilt and other negative emotions. Make sure to prioritise self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. This might include exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy.

10 - Embrace your spirituality

Embracing your spirituality can also be an important part of letting go of guilt and achieving spiritual growth. This might involve participating in a spiritual practise such as meditation, prayer, or yoga, or it might involve connecting with a higher power or a sense of purpose. By focusing on your spiritual growth and well-being, you can begin to let go of guilt and move forward in a positive direction.

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In Conclusion

Guilt is a normal and natural emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. While it can be a healthy emotion that prompts us to take responsibility for our actions and make amends, guilt can also become unhealthy when it consumes us and causes us to feel overwhelmed and distressed.

By acknowledging and accepting your feelings, identifying the cause of your guilt, practising self-compassion, making amends, seeking support, practising forgiveness, setting boundaries, letting go of perfectionism, practising self-care, and embracing your spirituality, you can learn to let go of guilt and achieve spiritual growth.