5 Action Steps to Release Personal Guilt and Shame


We, human beings, find ourselves from time to time dealing with the emotions of guilt and shame. We feel guilt and hopefully remorse when we have caused another person pain by our behavior.  Shame results when we carry the guilt without resolving it or making effect to correct what we did wrong. We simply sink into feeling bad like there will never be another sunrise. This can lead to depression.


Five best practices can help us resolve our guilt and shame. First, it is necessary to accept responsibility for your actions and express willingness make amends or to take corrective actions where you have caused harm.


Second, challenge and reframe your negative self-talk. It is true that people take us at the level of respect we provide ourselves. Negative self-talk is a destructive behavior that is self-inflicted. Do the work necessary to know when you are working against yourself through negative self-talk and replace it with more positive statements of affirmation to build yourself up emotionally.


Third, practice self-compassion and forgive yourself. Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and compassion, the same way you would treat a beloved family member or friend. Recognize that everyone else and you make mistake. We all have flaws. Acknowledging we are not perfect is mature and emotionally healthy.



Fourth, seek support from a trusted friend, a life coach, or if necessary, a therapist. Talking to a trusted family member, a trusted friend, a life coach or if necessary, therapist can help to relieve feelings of guilt and shame. Talking to persons you have confidence and trust in is a safe space to process emotions, gain perspective, receive support and encouragement.


Fifth, you can engage in activities that bring you joy and boost self-esteem. If playing pickup games on the community basketball court makes you feel good, do that. If that is volunteering, do that. Do things, go places, and associate with people that make you feel good and pump up your self-esteem. Learn to encourage yourself.

These five activities will help you release your guilt and shame. You can be free of both to live your best life, now. Live your life doing good for you and others and feel good about it.

 

 

Oscar Crawford, M.Div., MS/AJS, Trauma Healing Coach

Email: healingwithoscarcrawford@gmail.com

Phone: +1 (480) 228 - 4654

Follow on Instagram @theportaltohealing

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