Let’s talk about a very common feeling that we all face (particularly us
women).
You are happy, on top of the world, enjoying yourself to the hilt, when suddenly an odd feeling creeps in. Something tells you that this is wrong, you shouldn’t be happy. Something prompts you to think that you don’t belong here – in this carefree scenario, you have aged parents to care for, remember? How can you spend such an obscene amount on that bag, when you had been saving to buy that automated washing machine? So insensitive - dancing away while your kid is alone at home?
You get the drift?
A gnawing sense of guilt hits you while you are:
a) Having a good time at a party without your family/kids
b) Heading out for a weekend trip all by yourself
c) Gloating in hubby’s praise of your cooking while he mocks your
sister-in-law’s lack of culinary skills
d) Buying something really extravagant for yourself, instead of saving
for the family fund
It is all the work of a devil called guilt.
What does Guilt do?
Nothing positive, you can be assured. You get these things for free:
û Emotional stress
û Poor self-image
û Strained relationship with close ones
û Bitterness and cynical attitude towards life in general
It kills us slowly, this guilt. It draws sustenance from our insecurities and lack of self- esteem.
Like an uncalled for, uninvited guest which firmly lodges itself in our minds,
and begins controlling it thereafter, guilt occupies a lot of space and
slowly eats up peace of mind and joy.
How can we kick out this arrogant intruder?
Script a new Self-Talk
If we think rationally, we can look guilt in the eye and challenge it
directly. Is there any logic behind feeling guilty all the time? No, it
is pointless, like shooting in the air.
Let’s start with wiring our internal talk differently?
Take your pick from these feel-good options:
ü I have reached a
milestone of my career through hard work. I deserve to celebrate my success just
like I want. Yes, without my family.
ü Partying, hanging out with friends gives me happiness. If I am happy, I can keep others happy.
ü My solo trip is long overdue. I will hate myself and my family if I don’t get away from them once in a while.
ü Kid is sick, and I am
in office, so what? I am checking on her constantly. This presentation is
important for my career advancement.
ü My son is learning
how to cook, good thing I leave the kitchen to him. He will grow up a
considerate, skilled human being.
Choose your motivation mantra, and come out of the vicious cycle of guilt – regret – stress – burnout.
Ladies, it’s time to say a firm goodbye to this uninvited guest who has already overstayed in your mind!
So, let’s kick out guilt!
#GuiltIsBad #SayNoToGuilt #PointlessGuilt
How nicely you have put up the writing. And rightly said so. 👍 Regret and guilt takes and toll on us and drains out the positivity.
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