Welcome to Day 7 of the 3rd Starting to Untangle Draining Habits 7-day Challenge.
Over 7 days, we are bringing awareness to different habits that cause undue stress, suffering or anxiety in our lives. At the end of each post, we share with you one simple step you can take to start to untangle the draining habit.
So far we have brought awareness to self-criticism, procrastination, labels, worrying, overwhelm and the need to always be right.
Today we are going to focus on the habit of guilt.
So let’s get started…
Draining Habit #7: Guilt
In her book, I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t): Making the Journey from “What Will People Think?” to “I Am Enough”, Brené Brown looks at guilt this way –
- Guilt is an emotion that comes from self-evaluation. Guilt comes from the thought “I have done something bad”, “I have done something wrong” or “I made a mistake” – which focuses on the behaviour.
Guilt also holds an action or behaviour up against our values, morals or ethics. For example – when we make a mistake, we evaluate the behaviour (e.g. eating too much) and can feel guilt when the behaviour is inconsistent with who we are or who we want to be (e.g. fit and healthy).
Challenge: Starting to Untangle Guilt –
As you are going through life today, notice when you feel guilt. When you notice the guilt, write the experience down (i.e what thoughts are you thinking? What are you doing?).
As you are reflecting, make sure you remember your self-compassion.
Now you have this awareness, what is your next step?
Feel free to share any insights in to your reflection below or on our Facebook page here.
If you are ready to take yourself on the adventure of getting to know yourself (your true self), why not join the Toolkit? A place where I share tools, inspiration and ideas to live a courageous and openhearted life.
Reference:
Brown, B. (2007). I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t): Making the Journey from “What Will People Think?” to “I Am Enough”.
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