Some of us do not know that we are infected with unhealthy guilt, thinking that our spiritual lives are “just fine, thank you”. We don’t want to think of ourselves as “bad” people so we disassociate ourselves from our actions and motivations shoving aside the reflective part of our decision-making process claiming, “I don’t have any guilt”.
Guilt raises it’s ugly head in the form of regretting past behaviors and worrying how actions will be perceived in the future. Our decision making process is clouded with fear, judgment, and egoism. Here’s a takeoff on Jeff Foxworthy’s “You might be a redneck” that may shed some light in darkened corners.
“You might be a “Guilt-Sponge” if…
-If you have options but you are afraid to make a decision knowing that you will disappoint someone.
-If you do what you are told to do and not what needs to be done.
-If you know what you need to do but take the easier way out not to ruffle the feathers of others.
-If you have to do everything yourself, refusing help, and it’s wearing you out.
-If you are always the “giver” and are uncomfortable as “receiver”.
So if you are “GUILTY AS CHARGED”, you might want to take this week’s challenge:
“Guilt Free Challenge of the Week”: Observe your decisions determining “why” you made the decision that you did. Who are you trying to please? Yourself or others? You might be a “guilt-sponge”! That’s OK, as long as you know it. Awareness is the first step in the direction of personal happiness.
