5 Things You Should Stop Feeling Guilty About

When was the last time you felt guilty about something? A word out of place, a forgetfulness or an inappropriate treatment towards someone are, without a doubt, something that we have all experienced often. Now, it must be borne in mind that the feeling of guilt is in turn related to our moral conscience. Indeed, it is an indicator of our own personality and a reflection of our values, as well as our education.

Feeling guilty about something and allowing regrets to give us that “warning touch” from time to time helps us improve. It is appropriate and necessary. However, as always happens in these cases, psychological and emotional well-being depends on balance. Excesses are not good.

The accumulation of guilt that limits us and vetoes our personal freedom is neither healthy nor adequate. In fact, we are sure that today you carry many guilt-related weights in your heart.

Next, we suggest you take these dimensions into account. Reflect on them to realize that, indeed, there are many everyday behaviors that are related to guilt.

Aspects for which you should start to stop feeling guilty

1. Say “no” when you feel like it

Practicing assertiveness is essential to our self-esteem. Saying “no” to something when we think, feel and need it is an act of personal courage that we should all put into practice.

• To give a negative is to raise walls to protect ourselves. In turn, it is also offering others a type of relational information to understand where the limits are.

We need to start to stop feeling guilty for saying “no” when necessary.

2. Do what you want when you need it

We know it is not easy. We understand that none of us have that total and absolute freedom with which to indulge ourselves whenever we need it.

Now, within these “limits” there is room for self-negotiation.

Do not hesitate to put it into practice when your mind requires it. Put aside the burdens of conscience and allow yourself what you need without feeling guilty.

3. Express your opinion at all times

You have a voice, values, and feelings. So why should you feel guilty for expressing your opinion when the occasion calls for it?

• We are afraid to speak for fear of doing harm, for giving an image of ourselves that others do not expect. We are scared to disappoint, or even cause disappointment when telling the truth.
• However, we must not fall into these destructive abysses dominated by guilt . The truth must always be told, but without causing harm based on aggression.
• The truth that helps to understand and set personal limits is necessary. 

Do it, express out loud what you think, what you feel and what does not seem right. Silence, assume and hide is an immature act that destroys us little by little.

4. Stay away from someone who doesn’t make you feel good.

This is undoubtedly one of the most problematic areas in our daily lives: poor quality social interactions.

• Although the term “toxic person” is very fashionable, in reality, it is not necessary for a friend or family member to be “toxic” to dislike us.
• There are people who do not make us feel good, with whom we do not get along. They are not “bad people”: they are just personalities that stand up as true reversals of ourselves.

Believe it or not, you are not obligated to get along with everyone. Don’t feel guilty if you prefer distance to false courtesy.

5. Don’t feel guilty for not meeting your expectations

There is no worse enemy than the mind itself. Sometimes people set such high expectations about what we must achieve that all we achieve is suffering.

• We have all been through those times when we feel  guilty for not giving our best to others.
• Guilty of not getting that dream job, for not losing all the weight we want … We are slaves of an unhappiness that we ourselves have created.
• We must cut these unhealthy ties and free ourselves from these prisons. Don’t create high expectations. Fight for what you want but, above all, be humble and respect yourself as a person.

To conclude, the feeling of guilt can sometimes be appropriate. It is related to our moral conscience and helps us to improve in many cases. However, when we become excessively obsessed with certain dimensions such as those discussed here, unhappiness appears and even the shadow of depression.

Do not let that happen. Assume responsibilities, but grow with good decisions, those that allow you to be free and happy.