Do you feel guilty? Here we tell you how to eliminate guilt and enjoy life

July 17, 2023 0 Comments

Guilt may be one of the most corrosive emotions because it damages our self-esteem, morals, and even our personal growth. There are multiple reasons that can trigger this feeling, but there are also things that we can do to avoid this feeling taking over our life. 

To be honest, guilt has two sides. Its more positive side is associated with empathy because we feel guilty when we put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. In fact, it is said that people who usually experience this feeling are the most empathetic. It can also lead us to apologize to the affected person and learn lessons to avoid repeating the mistake or receiving some form of punishment.

In a sense, it can act as a control of our behavior and prevents future damage, being essential for interpersonal relationships, and helping us to live healthily. 

On the other hand, when taken to extreme levels and not overcome, it can cause us harm and affect our lives, since it activates feelings of anger for having failed, as well as sadness, pain, and anxiety for the consequences that our actions bring. It is at this point that guilt shows its negative side.

To avoid that guilt corroding our souls and ending our life, there are things we can do, here are some:

• Understand that it is normal: guilt is a human feeling that everyone experiences more than once. This is a way we deal with the disconnection between ourselves, with others, and with our own values.
• Look for the cause and act accordingly: guilt is not only a negative thing. It helps us learn from our mistakes to grow; this is a sign of alarm that tells us to stop to reflect on the past. 
• Seek acceptance: in the face of guilt, we must accept the mistakes we have made so that we can learn from them because, while we cannot change the past, we have the possibility of transforming the present.
• Communicate what you feel: give yourself the opportunity to feel all the emotions that guilt brings, even if they are negative. Do not try to deny them or let it fade in the background because they will stay inside you until you externalize them.  It’s best to talk to someone you trust who can give you another perspective on the situation.
• Learn to forgive yourself: this is perhaps the most difficult thing in the process, but it is essential to be able to go ahead and live our life fully. Whenever you are overwhelmed by guilt, visualize yourself as a small child who needs understanding and support, and don't be so hard on yourself. 
• Seek help: If you can’t deal with guilt, it’s best to seek psychological, spiritual, or emotional support. Look for external help from someone who can give you the tools to manage and deal with the emotions you’re feeling that are hampering your life.

If you are looking for a specialist to help you deal with feelings associated with guilt, Marcela Arrieta is an experienced emotional healer who can support you with this process. You can schedule a virtual session with her here marcelaarrieta 

Remember that guilt is part of human nature. By freeing yourself from guilt you will begin to live a healthier life emotionally. So, keep moving forward!

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