The Adhesive Power of Guilt

Guilt is sticky. Guilt is a sin. It is a nagging, draining, power-sucking sin. We are not intended to feel guilt by nature, but our human condition allows us to attach guilt to our hearts and minds.

I am the worst when it comes to feeling guilty. I will let the slightest mishap or slip of the tongue weigh me down like a 2-ton anchor. I am not sure why I am so attractive to guilt, other than the fact that I am so desperate to always do the best job possible. The realization is starting to sink in that my definition of “best job possible” sometimes equates to a job that is “not really possible.” I need to get better at letting go. We are all a work-in-progress.

I’ve been working hard to wash away the residue left from past guilt and have found that it makes living a lot easier. My desire to avoid the attraction to guilt has made it easier to notice the way it clings to others. It hurts me to see when those I love let guilt hold them back in their relationships. Guilt stinks!

Guilt is a real drag. Like a ball and chain kind of drag. That is why I say guilt has adhesive powers. Once you feel guilt for one thing, all the other possibilities come rushing in and stick to you, like a piece of old toilet paper on the back of your shoe. Sometimes you don’t even know it’s there. The worst part is that guilt has an especially power grip on those who fall prey to its burden.

Today is Monday. Mondays are hard enough without guilt, so I am encouraging you to let something go today.

Peel away any resentment or hurt that has found a way into your heart. Let loose things that are weighing on your mind. Forgive the wrongs you believe are making you weak. You have the ability to be stronger than any glue or guilt.

Repel that pesky old guilt. Send it packing. Just as guilt has the power to attract, so does happiness. Invite happiness and peace into your day and guilt will have nowhere to take hold.

By: Melanie A. Peters