Guilt is an exhausting feeling. And it is a cycle that I have found myself taking an unhealthy part in for years. So how do you move from a standpoint of guilt to growth? How do you let go of what wrongs have happened in your life to make room for all the rights?
Acknowledging you have a guilt problem is the first step! Once you admit it to yourself (no, I am not asking you to shout it from the rooftops "I FEEL GUILTY!") but looking in the mirror and saying enough is enough...I am ready to live - that is your first step.
The next step is discovering where and when the guilt cycle began. The third and final step is moving from guilt to growth. Learning from the mistakes, holding ourselves accountable, and moving forward. This step has proven to be my most challenging BUT the most rewarding one. Day by day...minute by minute I can feel the guilt leaving my thought processes and steadily being replaced with a positive outlook, internal motivation and the belief that after all that has happened, my life has potential. I can see the change in me reflected in my children's eyes. The closer I get to living guilt free the farther away I get from the anxieties and fears that have filled my daily life for the better part of my adulthood.
I am responsible for my happiness. I am responsible for my own growth. Guilt can be a heavy weight that holds you down from your life's purpose, and it can restrict your ability to grow and show the world your talents and your heart. Step lightly my friend, but step forward and press on!
“When guilt rears its ugly head confront it, discuss it and let it go. The past is over. It is time to ask what can we do right, not what did we do wrong. Forgive yourself and move on.” -- Bernie S. Siegel
