How to Get Over the Guilt of Your Past

Guilt can keep you completely stuck and mentally immobilized. When you feel guilt or shame, it is difficult to think about anything else. Memories or thoughts of guilt can cause a snowball effect. The feelings build up and the momentum keeps the negative feelings or thoughts present in your daily life.

Instructions

• 1

  Stop thinking you are alone. When you realize that you are not alone, you begin to feel the weight lift. You are not the only person in the world that has this problem or past memory. Other people are having their own share of personal problems. Chances are, no matter how terrible you feel about your situation, there are probably many people with worse situations. Just how bad is your situation?

• 2

  Befriend yourself. It is simple to find ways to love and support other people. You can find a million reasons why someone may be deserving of your love and affection. However, how often do you show yourself that same love and affection?

• 3

  Understand yourself. Just because you may have done a bad thing, does not mean you are a bad person. When you regret the choice and vow not to do it again, know and understand that you are not bad. You are human and everyone makes mistakes. Take some time to understand yourself. When you take this time, you can find out what you need and take action about it.

• 4

  Be kind to others. After you give yourself the love and attention you need, you can begin to be kind and loving to others. Whenever you begin to do good, you will begin to feel good. Take the focus off yourself and find the joy that surrounds you.

• 5

  Let go of guilt. Guilt is a feeling that does not benefit anyone. Slowly, when you take the time to love yourself, find out what you need, and love others, the guilt will begin to leave. When the guilt is lifted, you will begin to feel a sense of peace and freedom.