The Fallacy of Guilt
We all make mistakes in our lives. Whether we say the wrong thing, hurt someone we care about, or make a professional blunder, the realization of having made a mistake can be painful. To make matters worse, most of us have a little voice in our heads that loves to berate and belittle. How could you have been so stupid? What were you thinking? Look at what you’ve done!
This mental abuse, also known as guilt, can go on for hours, days, and sometimes even years. If a friend or family member ever spoke to us in the way that this voice does, we would probably never talk to them again…yet we do nothing to stop the internal dialogue. For some reason, we believe that this self-imposed penance is our just retribution.
Although we don’t mean to torture ourselves, it just seems to happen. Some psychologists suggest that the majority of our behavior is driven by the unconscious mind. They believe that our actions are fueled by unconscious beliefs, known as memes, that are transmitted, either verbally or by example, from one person to another. While some memes are harmless, many of them are “mind viruses” that interfere with our common sense. Most of our memes take shape in childhood and adolescence, and we rarely question them as adults. But are they true?
April 9th, 2011 at 11:54 am
Hi Amy,
I enjoy your newsletters immensely. They are full of insight and wisdom..you have a precious gift in relaying your thoughts in a beautiful way. Thank you for your inspirational loving words!
Jeff is in my prayers for a full recovery. I think of your parents daily as I know that they are walking this journey with him.
Namaste,
Denise Walsh (and Rich)
Your Mom and Dad’s Cape Cod sailing friends.
April 9th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Hi Amy M,
Very thought provoking and colorful newsletter as always!
I definitely related to your articles about taking things for granted and guilt. You certainly put things in their proper perspective.
I pray for your brother’s full recovery and that you and your family will have peace of mind.
Best Regards,
Cliff
April 12th, 2011 at 9:09 am
Nicely done, Amy. I always look forward to receiving and reading your newsletters. In particular this most recent one put lots of things in perspective for me. Know that your brother Jeff and all of your family are in my thoughts. I have asked my mom to say some prayers as well as she seems to have some type of divine connection.
Always,
Mary
April 13th, 2011 at 9:36 am
Thanks to all of you for your kind words. I am so glad that you enjoy the newsletter, and I really appreciate your prayers and thoughts for my brother and our family during this difficult time. We are staying strong in our faith that Jeff will win his battle with leukemia.