Guilt

Guilt is an excruciating burden to bear, especially when our actions are born out of fear, rather than the love that should guide us. Guilt comes from fear, and that guilt eats away at us, telling us we did something wrong or that we’re not good enough. But let’s be honest: we’re all human, and we struggle to do “the right thing” all the time. What really matters is how we learn and grow from our times of struggle.

The fear response is basic, especially when faced with uncertainty or danger. We want to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our very existence. When fear becomes our primary motivation, we lose sight of what is truly important. Fear makes us defensive, closed, and reactive, instead of open, compassionate, and proactive. For some of us, being loving 24/7 may seem impossible.

The guilt that comes from acting out of fear can be overwhelming. We may feel especially bad that we’ve let ourselves down or failed to live up to our standards. We may worry that we’ve hurt others or damaged relationships. But the truth is, we’re all doing the best we can with the means we have in the moment. We can’t always control our emotions and reactions, but we can learn to recognize and deal with them.

The key to overcoming guilt is to cultivate self-love and compassion. We need to be as kind and understanding with ourselves as we would be with a close friend or family member who is experiencing trauma. We need to acknowledge our fears and mistakes, but we also need to recognize that they do not define us. We have the power to grow, change, and forgive.

“Do your best until you know better. And when you know better, do it better.” Maya Angelou

It is also important to shift your focus from fear to love. Love allows you to be more compassionate towards others and approach their situations with understanding. Love allows you to connect with others, empathize with their struggles, and work towards common goals. Love allows you to see the world around you in a more positive light and encourages you to make changes.

If you struggle with guilt, recognize that it comes from fear and know that you are not alone. We all feel fear and make mistakes – we’re human. But we also have the capacity to grow, change, and love. Be kind to yourself, focus on self-compassion, and work to cultivate a sense of love and connection in your life. You deserve it and the world needs it.

A’ho Namaste creates Peace Movement content and this information is not provided by medical professionals and is for educational and informational purposes only. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding mental or physical issues. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.