what to do when guilt consumes you?

Guilt can make us feel like the worst person in the world. It can drive us to do things we usually would not do. Guilt was meant to teach us life lessons; however, it can send us down a dark path when it consumes us. Consuming guilt destroys our self-worth, self-esteem, and our ability for optimism. It takes a lot of work to let go of guilt, especially when it is all we are feeling. We can take many steps to let go of the guilt, remember the purpose of guilt, make amends, and forgive. 

Purpose Of Guilt

We feel guilt because we did something for which we are not proud. Guilt helps us to be the person we are meant to be. It is supposed to prevent us from making the same mistakes. We must use guilt for what it was meant to do. We were not given this feeling to destroy ourselves. Using guilt to improve ourselves is the key to letting go of it. As long as we learn from our mistakes and our guilt, we are better people. Instead of letting the guilt consume us, let the guilt restore us. 

Make Amends   

Hurting others can make us feel horrible. However, most people forgive and usually only need acknowledgment. When we acknowledge those that we hurt, we can make amends. Making amends can be replacing something, giving something, explaining something, and simply apologizing. These acts of kindness toward someone we hurt make us become better people. It helps wash away the guilt and shame. We can’t change the past and erase what we did, but we can control the present and plan to do better in the future. 

Forgive

It is important that those we hurt forgive us, but we must forgive ourselves. Unforgiveness is like a poison we drink, so we feel worthless, shame, fearful, and depressed. Forgiving ourselves is not for the other people, but ourselves. It is surprisingly easier to forgive others than to forgive ourselves, so it takes time and practice. 

For more ways to help let go of guilt, check out HEALTHLINE.