It’s natural to feel guilty once in a while, but in life, there are things you should never feel guilty about. Having too much guilt hanging over you is a sure-fire way to make you sad, stressed and frustrated, and it will stop you from living life to the fullest. You deserve to be happy, so pay close attention to these things you should never feel guilty about.
If you decline a girls’ night out because you just aren’t feeling it, don’t feel guilty! The same applies if you wake up and you’re not sick, but you’re just not feeling ready to face the day, so you call in sick to work or school and take some time for yourself. Obviously you can’t skip out on school or work regularly, but your happiness and your health come first, so if you’re not feeling that great then you need to look after yourself. That is high up on the list of things you should never feel guilty about!
Self-care is paramount in maintaining your mental and emotional equilibrium. Remember, pressing pause on your obligations occasionally isn't just acceptable; it's often necessary for rejuvenation. Just like a vehicle needs a pit stop to continue a long journey, your body and mind require those quiet moments to refuel. Trust your instincts if they tell you to slow down. Honor your need to recharge, and you'll return to your daily tasks with renewed vigor and a brighter outlook. Don't let the hustle culture fool you—rest is not idleness; it’s an investment in your wellbeing.
Cutting someone out of your life who is causing you sadness or perhaps trouble is definitely something you should never feel guilty about. You need to fill your life with people who make you laugh and are wonderful to be around, not those who bring you down. Removing someone from your life can be a heart-wrenching decision, and there are definitely a lot of emotions involved, but guilt should not be one of them. You create your own happiness.
Feeling empowered to make positive changes in your social circle is a form of self-care. Your well-being takes precedence, and sometimes that requires tough choices. Embrace the courage it takes to let go and recognize that this step is about nurturing your own peace and growth. Personal boundaries are essential, and setting them is a sign of self-respect, not selfishness. Surround yourself with those who uplift and support you, and never apologize for seeking a happier life.
Whatever the situation you’re in, if you don’t feel comfortable with what is being offered to you, you 100% have the right to say no. Listen to your gut instinct and keep yourself safe and happy. Don’t feel guilty for declining, you made the decision for the most important person - you. You know best what you’re comfortable with, so pay attention to what your brain is telling you.
Having an opinion is never something to feel guilty about! It is a decision you have come to based on your life experiences, culture and environment. Your opinions help to make you the unique individual you are and they deserve to be celebrated. As long as you’re expressing them in a polite and considerate way then there is nothing wrong with sharing your opinion with other people.
If you decide you want to follow a certain career path, study a certain topic, live in a certain place or even buy certain clothes, go for it! Make decisions for you, not for anyone else. You should never, ever feel guilty about pursuing a goal or dream you have. At the end of the day, your happiness is so very important and you need to reach for the highest stars. Your decisions are not selfish, nor are they unimportant.
If you think you look smokin’ hot in that outfit, wear it as much as possible! If you look in the mirror and love what you see, then that is one of the most treasured, wonderful feelings in the world. You deserve to feel good about yourself, after all - you’re stunning! Never feel guilty about thinking you look fab, because chances are you totally do.
I cannot reinforce this last point enough. If you are living life with a mental illness, never, ever, EVER feel guilty about it. Having a mental illness is something you cannot control and so you need to understand that there is nothing to feel guilty about. Focus on looking after yourself, and if there is anyone in your life who makes you feel guilty about having a mental illness, they should not be in your life.
Guilt is definitely not a fun emotion, but if you pay attention to this list then hopefully you will realise there are certain times in your life when guilt is unnecessary. Look after yourself and understand that you are the most important person in your life! Do you have things that you don’t let yourself feel guilty about? What are they?