Good Morning bubbles,
Ah, guilt. Our old nemesis. We all have dealt with excessive guilt at some point in our lives. Guilt is especially prevalent in our life relationships, whether it be a friend, a co-worker, or a family member that causes us to feel guilty. Guilt is not always a bad thing, there is such a thing as healthy guilt. But there is also unhealthy guilt, and this is the type of guilt we need to deal with when we have anxiety.
Unhealthy guilt happens when you tell yourself you did something wrong even though you actually didn't. This is the type of guilt I have lived with for years and have beat myself up over so many times I cannot even begin to count that high.
Most of us are programmed to take responsibility for the feelings of others. When other people get upset or angry we immediately blame ourselves. I work hard at letting go of these feelings as I have found guilt is a wasted emotion and I am not responsible for how other people feel. I am also not responsible for trying to please everyone or save the world. Yes, once upon a time, I thought it was my duty to be all things to all people. Give until it hurt or I had a major meltdown......looking back I would now pick and choose what I could do because I wanted to not because I did not know how to say no.
I have gotten so good at unhealthy guilt that I can make myself feel guilty even when others have no intention of making me feel guilty.
In order to heal, let go of feeling guilty for being true to yourself. Anxiety causes each of us to doubt ourselves....remember you are a good person and the world is a better place because you live and serve within it.
Gentle Hugs,
Kitt