Dear Guilt,
I don’t remember the day you arrived, but I know you were uninvited, like an unwelcome guest who slinks in just as the party is starting, a shadow darkening the doorway. You didn’t knock; didn’t ask if you could stay. You simply slipped in, made yourself comfortable, and haven’t left since.
In fact, you’ve been quite the moocher, haven’t you? You’ve sprawled out on the couch, eating everything I bring into the house, draining the air, taking up all the space. It’s as if you’ve settled in with no intention of ever leaving. That Kato Kalin of emotions.
But I see you now for what you are:
GUILT, YOU ARE SELFISH!
You don’t care what I need or what might bring me peace. No, you’d rather pull me into a dark corner and whisper every little “should have” and “what if” as if they’re the only things that matter. You twist memories and intentions, spinning your own narrative where I’m always at fault, always lacking. You cling to moments long gone, refusing to let me move forward.
And the worst part? You pretend you’re here to help, to keep me accountable or teach me a lesson. But that’s a lie.
There is such a thing as healthy guilt. That kind of guilt is a humble teacher—it shows up, delivers its message, then steps aside, leaving me with a renewed understanding, a gentler perspective. Healthy guilt is brief, corrective, and ultimately freeing.
But you? Oh, no. You are manipulative. You trick me into believing I’m somehow better off with you here, that I’ll find redemption in wallowing, that I’ll prove my worth by enduring your constant presence.
But you don’t give anything back. You only take.
In fact, you’ve broken things—important things—like my confidence, my peace, my joy. You have stunted me, convincing me that I should shrink to make room for you.
And I’ve let you, letting you pile your blame and shame onto my shoulders until I could hardly stand beneath the weight.
BUT NO MORE
Consider this your eviction notice. You are no longer welcome here, Guilt. Pack up your bags of shame, take your twisted truths and your endless demands, and go. I’ve spent enough time sacrificing my joy, my dreams, my life to you.
Without you, I’ll have the space to breathe again, to stretch into the fullness of my life, to celebrate my worth, and to let real healing in. And in that new space, I will learn to forgive myself, to trust my intentions, and to embrace the freedom you have long denied me.
Farewell, Guilt. You won’t be missed.
