Moving on from Guilt
Almost everyone in their life at some point experiences the emotion of guilt. There is not one general explanation of guilt due to the nature of what guilt is. It depends on what the person is dealing with. One thing that can be generalized is -that if one does not rid themselves of the guilt he or she feels, the person will drown in it and allow it to ruin all happiness. There are several techniques that a person can apply to rid the emotion of guilt.
Acceptance
Most people know that the first way to conquer a bad emotion is to accept it. If you can accept the action or situation that has caused the guilty emotion, you are one step closer to being able to atone for the guilt.
Being big enough to accept that you have done something wrong allows you the confidence needed to approach the second step.
Atonement
You should ask yourself if there is anything you can do to make the circumstances better. If there is, then you need to do whatever it takes to atone for your actions that have caused you guilt. If there is not, then you need to forgive yourself and move forward learning from your mistake.
Modification
If you continually feel guilty about the same thing, for example, eating the wrong things, not going to the gym, lying, slacking at work, modify your actions. You are in control of your own emotions. If something that you continue to do is causing you guilt, it is time to look within and change your behavior. It takes 28 days to create a good habit. Commit to yourself to form good behavior and change your actions for 28 days in order to alleviate a lifetime of guilt.
Affirmation
Many times, others feel guilty because they have allowed someone to make them feel that way. Be sure to keep people around you that do not place blame on you for everything that goes wrong. Surrounding yourself with positive, uplifting people will allow you to love yourself. Practice writing down affirming qualities of yourself and or do affirming actions for others in order to overcome the guilt someone else has placed on you.
Let’s keep in touch! Sign up to receive our newsletter:
Start a Relationship with An Exceptional Counselor
- Skilled and caring professional counselors
- Accepting all major and most insurances
- High-touch customer service & premium benefits
- Same- or next-day appointments
- Ultra-flexible 23.5hr cancellations
It sounds like you expect yourself to let go all at once. It may help to daily keep a journal about the good things you have done for you (because the you inside you needs your care). Another words, give to yourself. It is something that may help as well as above. Counseling as well as reading self help like here is helping me.
I have been living over 20 years of my life in guilt and it has robbed me of my happiness, joy and literally my life. I read through all this but still don’t know how to free myself, i am a prisoner in my own body and soul. i want to be free, i do, just so many things going on (in the present) that keep my past choices constantly condeming me. I just don’t know how to be strong and let go.