Guilt Sucks

Guilt sucks. I hate it so incredibly much. Do you feel guilt ALL THE TIME? Same. I'm here to tell you—you're not alone.

Recently, my vehicle had a manufacturer malfunction, and guess what? I blamed myself. The snow started coming down heavy, and I decided to take the safe route by working remotely from home. Logical, right? But still, the guilt crept in. Somehow, I managed to convince myself that I was responsible for the snow, the malfunction, the stars aligning in a way that made me stay home—everything.

Why? Because guilt is sneaky like that. It’s a natural human emotion that pops up when we believe we’ve done something wrong or violated our own moral standards. It’s like an internal alarm clock that goes off, telling us we’ve compromised our values and need to make things right. But what makes it so frustrating is how it doesn’t always play fair. It shows up for things completely outside your control (I HATE not being in control, just ask my husband), and suddenly, you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.

In a way, guilt can be a good thing. It’s part of our moral compass, helping us navigate the tricky waters of personal values and societal norms. It’s like a little nudge, reminding us of the kind of person we want to be. But when it’s out of control? Oh, it’s the worst. Again, admittedly I want to control everything. Guilt makes you feel responsible for everything. Snowstorms? Sure. Why not.

If I’m being honest, a lot of my blogs feel like personal journals—little pieces of advice I write for myself, hoping they help you too. Dealing with guilt starts with recognizing it. Trying to suppress or ignore it only makes it worse. Instead, take a deep breath and figure out what’s triggering it. Is it something you did? Something you didn’t do? Or is it just your inner perfectionist spiraling again? You’d be surprised how often guilt stems from unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves.

Everyone makes mistakes. Seriously, everyone. When guilt hits, it’s easy to dive headfirst into negative self-talk. But that’s like throwing gasoline on a fire. Instead, try to treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Remember, mistakes don’t make you a bad person. They’re just proof that you’re human. Think about the people you love most. Would you judge them as harshly as you judge yourself? Probably not. So why do it to yourself?

Forgiving yourself is essential. It’s not about excusing your actions or pretending they didn’t happen. It’s about letting go of the guilt and self-criticism that weigh you down. You can’t change the past, so focus on what you can do right now to grow and move forward. Imagine guilt as a heavy backpack you’ve been carrying for miles. The longer you carry it, the more it hurts. Forgiveness is the act of setting that backpack down and walking away. It doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten the journey or the lessons learned; it just means you’re ready to move on.

When you screw up (and you will, because you’re human), take it as an opportunity to learn something new. Then, release the guilt like an old ex who’s just not worth your time anymore. Remind yourself that every stumble is a chance to grow stronger. Life is messy, and that’s okay. Growth happens in the mess.

Also, let’s talk about the bigger picture. Sometimes we feel guilt for things that are entirely out of our hands. Maybe you feel guilty for not being able to solve everyone’s problems, for needing time to yourself, or for setting boundaries. It’s okay to prioritize your well-being. You’re not a superhero, and trying to be one will only lead to burnout. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Also, take a peek at my Falling for Hustle Culture blog. It's relevant.

Oh, and one more thing—I will always preach therapy. If your guilt feels too big to handle on your own, get help. Talking to a therapist can give you tools and perspectives that make the weight of guilt feel a little lighter. You don’t have to do it all alone, and seeking support is one of the bravest things you can do.

So, the next time guilt pops up, remind yourself that you’re not alone. We all wrestle with it. But guilt doesn’t have to run your life. You’ve got this, and I’ve got your back. And if nothing else, remember this: You’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough.