It's amazing how a single moment from our past can stick around in our hearts for years, like a memory we can't shake. Today, I want to share a personal story about guilt and healing.
When I was 16, my twin sister hurt her back, and she couldn't go to school for a long time. I didn't know how to help her or talk to her, so I chose to avoid the situation. When she asked about my day at school, I just said, "Nothing special happened." When she had trouble with math, I said, "I don't know how to do it either." There was even a time when she cried because she felt stuck in bed, and I didn't try to help or comfort her. I felt really guilty about all of this.
This guilt stayed with me for many years, not wanting to let go. It took 10 years and a talk with a friend during a trip to Hong Kong to bring it out into the open. As we talked about this old memory, I started crying and shared my guilt with my friend. After that, I called my sister, said I was sorry, and asked for her forgiveness. But she couldn't even remember what I was talking about and told me not to feel bad.
What I learned from this is that when we hide negative feelings like guilt deep inside, we might forget about them, but they're still there, waiting for the right time to come out.
Letting go of guilt doesn't mean erasing the past. It means accepting that we all make mistakes because we're not perfect. It means facing our feelings, even if they're uncomfortable, and trying to make things right. It means understanding that our past doesn't define who we are, and forgiveness, especially forgiving ourselves, can set us free.
So, if you can, choose to face your feelings instead of keeping them locked away in your memories. Find the right time to heal, whether it's by talking with someone, thinking things through, or getting help from a professional. Embrace forgiveness and let go of the stuff that's holding you back.
Remember, the journey to forgiving yourself and feeling better might not always be easy, but it's a big step toward a happier, more fulfilling life. 🌼