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Guilt Free
- MONEY/DEBT/FINANCES
- FAITH/RELIGION/SPIRITUALITY
- WORK/EMPLOYMENT/CAREER
DearJames,
I was raised Catholic and have always “believed” outside of the religion because of what I felt (just knew) on the inside. I have always followed a high honor code that is mine only, meaning I set it for myself and do not expect anyone else to abide by “my rules”. I know right from wrong: I know I am a good person: and I am very proud of who I am. I believe this honor code was developed, not only from what I felt was right, but also “religious beliefs” that were “told” to me.
For the past few years, I have been “working on” beliefs that seem to be “stuck” inside that I do not fully agree with. These beliefs have come from the outside and not the inside. All these outside feelings were about guilt. That I should feel guilty for being so happy or enjoying too much or living in fear.
My life has become full and overflowing with happiness by letting some of this guilt go. One thing that has been stuck is how I feel about money. I lived a simple life and lived to only get what I needed and not be greedy. I fully appreciate all my struggles as it has made me a very strong woman: but I want to do more. I feel like I could do something big financially. I wish to do this in an attempt for more happiness and that is where I start to feel guilty. I feel something that sounds like aren’t you happy enough and how dare you ask for more! This feeling makes me angry. I want to do this to make things easy and to share it with those I love.
Am I happy? Heck yeah! But happiness is addictive, and I not only want more, I want to let it overflow to my loved ones. Do you have any advice on how to fully get rid of “those negative feelings” that seem to be blocking me from pursuing and obtaining a life that is more financially enjoyable?
Dreamer
Dear Guilt Free,
Guilt is a wasted emotion that serves no one’s best interest, least of all the person experiencing said guilt.
Guilt is all about control over another or the lack thereof over yourself.
When we make decisions based on guilt everyone loses, at least a little part of themselves, for it was manufactured manipulation not exuberant self-expression being experienced.
Guilt is also based in fear: fear someone won’t like or approve of you because of, fear your actions will provoke or anger another or make another unhappy. Fear. Fear. Fear.
When you choose to release the fear and embrace your inner knowingness, LIFE HAPPENS, and that is always worthy of celebration.
Freedom is the key you seek. Unapologetic, unadulterated, FREEDOM.
By living your life on your own terms… “code of conduct,” you have trained your character muscles well. However, to achieve a more well-rounded, whole you, you need to implement life-long / life-changing exercises that will flex your inner freedom muscles.
Stand Tall. Stand Proud. Make No Apologies. And flex your inner GUILT-FREE muscles.
Understand there will always be people who wish to tear you down for being happy, for achieving monetary success, or for simply being what they themselves choose not to believe they can be or have too.
Do not remain on this plane of thinking. Instead, seek to ascend to ever-greater heights and ask them to join you up yonder. The air is much purer there, and you are certainly closer to God and all goodness when you choose guilt-free abundance over guilt-ridden lack.
As a word of caution, be mindful of the purity of your intention’s surrounding your pursuits as they are yours and not that of others. While it may suit you perfectly well to achieve greater freedom, success, and monetary enrichment, others may not be of the same mindset or interest or for that matter be ready to handle its worthiness in their lives.
Set about tending to your own garden of guilt-free riches, leaving others to tend to theirs. In that, you’ll never be guilty of guilting others or feel the need for their inclusion to justify your own soul’s internal needs, wishes, or desires.
The Universe is waiting to shower you with ever-greater abundance. Ready. Set. GO GUILT FREE!