I am sure all of us like to go on this trip once in a while. What kind of emotions spring up when you read this word ‘Guilt’? Overeating, uncontrollable anger vented on someone, not being in touch with old friends, not being able to take care of old parents, busy work schedule piling up pending social commitments, putting away time for the family and so on. There is one more situation which brings it up, not being able to communicate with a loved one before he/she passed on. Even being dishonest at some point and that hounds you in the deepest sleep. Then not being able to forgive or express love to someone who really cared for you, eventually he/she got married to someone else and is happy. The bag of emotions keeps filling till it bursts.  

I believe every emotion has its place in our life. That’s the reason why it exists, hence deriding guilt would not be appropriate. Guilt has its own charm, it makes us realise our shortcomings. The moment of realization makes the protagonist run against the traffic, world and himself in the hope to get the lady love who is just about to catch a flight. This emotion has been used by marketers to make their brand a must have, parents have over used it to drill the so-called discipline in children. At work it helps to get more done and in relationships, it keeps everyone on their toes.

So, what’s unacceptable about feeling guilty? To break it down, it is an emotion which stands on a foundation of other feelings packed in the bag over many years. It could be a buildup. The thing about guilt trip is that it takes you in the past. Going back to the past, retrieving a memory to assist you in the present is evolution. It is about having a reference point and making progress from there. The key is to swiftly move ahead and not get stuck or have self-doubt.

Past is a comfortable space and many like to stay there. Their stories, references, milestones are stuck in history. That leaves them feeling guilty of many things they were not able to accomplish. This reference point perhaps pushes them to work towards the unfulfilled lineup. Does that help? Keeping the past alive doesn’t let anyone understand the present or move in the future. Being in the moment is to be truly aware of the present. Trying to make the wrongs of history right is like moving on a hamster running wheel without any forward movement.

This is the reason why most of the times, guilt gets you stuck in the quicksand of the past habits, way of thinking and behaviour. Don’t you know people who you think haven’t evolved. Whenever you meet them, they bring up the same random past memories which are over and done with. They seem to have paused in a stone slab.

Nostalgia is one thing, but bringing up memories of not being able to do something does not let you move forward with new reality, hope and wisdom.

Self-bashing and repentance further add to the gravy of remorse. What kind of life would it be to spend blaming oneself and correcting what may not be wrong? Who decides what is or was right or wrong? ‘’Hindsight’ can be misleading.

Being in the present and making the best choice with the utmost awareness of today, with its given circumstances and option is the best mix to influence action. Guilt energy does not let one think in the now.

So, get over all that guilt you have piled up in your body.

You have overeaten, so what, jog a bit more

You have not taken care of your parents, call them and say you care. They are no more. So, what, they will listen to you energetically. Call for their energies and express your love. 

You miss a loved one. Write a letter expressing your hidden feelings. Tear the letter. Please don’t hold on to it.

You didn’t walk out of a relationship back then due to your children. Walk out now.

Who is stopping you from being happy. The guilt which you stored or given by your parents when you were young. Now that you know. Kick it!

Who is stopping you?