Day 3 – Guilting Your Guilt

Jan 3, 2012

It seems that whenever thought or conversation leads to the subject of goals, it’s only a matter of time before guilt shows up. Guilt for past goals that have been forgotten; guilt that you aren’t living up to “others” expectations; guilt in the belief that you don’t deserve good things in your life; or guilt can even appear in the guise of “I can’t believe I didn’t realize/discover this goal or passion before! Ugh!”.

The funny thing is, those of you who can relate to guilt might even be feeling guilty for feeling guilty! Think about it – you’re guilting your guilt!

I think the feeling of guilt is a show of our conscience. Dictionary.com has it defined as:

“a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc., whether real or imagined.”

Here’s a challenge: try viewing guilt is a positive first step on a path of asking forgiveness, making a career change, growing in character, or any other positive change. I’m glad you and I can still feel guilty about a recent choice  – it shows we still have some degree of morality! Seriously!

Here’s a practical exercise for those of us who find ourselves dwelling in guilt-land. Try saying or writing this as it applies to you:

“I normally would feel guilty (insert reason here: ‘that I’, ‘I didn’t', etc), but I choose to forgive myself for that (moment, action, etc). Guilt is the first step, and I’m ready and excited to focus on my new goals and/or identity now.”

Guilt is your yellow light in life, be glad you have it as a life warning sign – just make sure you take the steps toward a green or red light after you see it