E. Lexi Abbott

Guilt has no place in the human experience. Yes, you read that correctly. Guilt does not belong. We might have some regret when we say something we then realize was not received how we meant. We might feel embarrassed when we realize we made a decision at one point in our lives and later learned we could have made a better one. But I feel that guilt truly has no place.

As the primary factor in decision-making and memories of the past, guilt plays a huge role in the modern life. Our guilt for eating too much food, or too little. Our guilt for liking someone, or not liking them. Our guilt about a natural emotional response to stimuli. Our guilt about the shape and state of our bodies. Guilt is an intimate partner in our walk on the road of life. But why?

What does guilt help? More often than not it is not a motivating factor but rather one we use to punish ourselves over and over again and remain trapped either in time or in bad situations. It keeps us from progressing and truly moving forward. It keeps us in bad habits and bad thought patterns and there is no escape hatch. Guilt is useless.

Now, you might be thinking, “But what if I hurt someone else? Shouldn’t I feel guilty?” or you might want someone who hurt you to feel guilty themselves. This this I say, no. It has no place. If you hurt someone, you should feel empathy. You should feel you want to right the wrong. You should feel motivated to mend the bridge and to communicate with that person to build a better tomorrow together. If someone hurts you, they should want to rebuild. But feeling guilty is a waste of time and keeps bad past feelings in the present. No, you should not feel guilty. You should feel motivated to do better.

Take a moment to analyze your life. How many of your daily actions are motivated by guilt? How could you heal and move forward if you decided to let go and allow hope and determination to motivate you instead?

Guilt is a manipulation tactic used by people to trap others in an endless loop of looking for validation before living. “Does the church accept this behavior?” “Will my parents still approve?” Again, guilt’s only role is to keep us trapped in one moment of time. There is no exit where guilt can come with you. As long as you hold onto it, you will remain trapped.

In summary, the use of guilt is to be addressed and let go as quickly as possible.

What are your thoughts on how guilt plays a role in our lives? Is it useful? Comment below to share your thoughts!