Let Go of Self-Condemnation and Guilt

Dr Tae Yun Kim is a martial artist, an author, a speaker and much more. Here is an excerpt from her book, The Silent Master.

Let Go of Self-Condemnation and Guilt

Most people are much too hard on themselves. When you see you've made a mistake, you don't have to pound yourself further into the ground. You need love not condemnation, not punishment when you recognize that you need to make a change. Self condemnation and guilt prevent learning, because they keep you focused on what's wrong instead of on what's right. Condemnation and guilt form a negative emotional cloud that encourages and attracts more wrongdoing rather than healing.

One of the first steps to take in letting go of the past - and getting ready for a new life - is to realize you don't need to feel guilty forever and ever. Guilt has a purpose for a little while. It makes you realize you need to change. But once you take action to create change, guilt is no longer purposeful. In fact, at that point, it's obstructive. So if you're ready to make a change right now, first let go of the guilt. Realize that your guilt is a feeling about something that's over. Whatever the "fault" or whatever the mistake, it isn't a part of the true you now. It's over. It's gone. Begin the process of healing with feelings of joy instead.