Letting Go of the Guilt That Keeps You Chained to the Past
- Wise Psychic Counsellor
- Nov 30, 2025
- 3 min read
“Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything such as anger, guilt or possessions, we cannot be free.” Thich Nhat Hanh
When I lost him because of the decisions I had made, I remembered what he had once asked me. The guilt that followed from that day was overwhelming.
Guilt is an emotion almost every one of us has felt. It appears in many forms. It may stem from something small, such as breaking a diet, or from a choice that alters the course of your life forever.
I remembered every conversation and every request. The guilt replayed my mistakes over and over again. It drained my energy and forced me to re-enact how I could have changed things. I felt bad even when I did not feel bad.
One of the reasons it was so difficult to let go of my guilt was because I felt I needed to punish myself. After he stopped speaking to me, I felt responsible for everything I did not do for him.
I pretended that if I had made different choices, I could have changed that day. I constantly questioned why I had not done more.
After some years, I realised that guilt was consuming me. If I wanted to move forward, I needed to forgive myself.
Guilt chained me to the past. It prevented me from being present with my family or appreciating the goodness in my life. I had to accept that I could not change the past, but I could change how I remembered the time I had with my son. That realisation set me free and allowed me to reclaim my narrative.
Guilt became a pointless burden on top of grief. I needed to accept my decisions and let go.
With the help of a reiki practitioner, I learned to be still, quieten my thoughts and finally give myself permission to release what I was carrying.
Here are the practices that helped me let go of my guilt and forgive myself. If you are holding onto guilt and living in the past, these gentle steps may help you too.
Stillness
In a fast paced world, stillness can feel uncomfortable because it brings emotions to the surface. Yet it is only through facing those emotions that we can work through them.
Through meditation and yoga, I learned to breathe slowly and deeply, easing stress in my mind and body. Stillness helped me observe, accept and release guilt. Over time, it helped me recognise the thoughts and beliefs that triggered guilt so I could let them go.
Stillness opens the space for healing and clarity.
Journaling
Writing became one of my most powerful tools. It helped me express, understand and process my feelings.
Begin by writing down your thoughts without judgement. Let every feeling pour out onto the page. Then read it back slowly.
Ask yourself:Do I need to hold onto these thoughts any longer?How would releasing them change my life?How is guilt holding me back?
Once you gain clarity, write new beliefs, affirmations and intentions. Journals become guideposts that record your growth and your journey towards healing.
Visualisation and Forgiveness
Sit somewhere calm and quiet. Visualise the person associated with your guilt. Ask for forgiveness. Then imagine them forgiving you. Picture both of you surrounded by light. See yourself freed from the heaviness you have been holding.
For a long time, I did not believe I deserved forgiveness. You may feel the same. But forgiveness is not about ignoring what happened. It is about releasing the burden that keeps you trapped. Forgiveness lets you reclaim your truth.
If forgiving yourself feels impossible, seek support from a trained practitioner. Healing takes time. Have patience with yourself.
Remember that no one is perfect. Guilt often reflects the things we wish we had done differently for ourselves, not only for others. When you recognise this, letting go becomes much easier.
Today, I no longer allow guilt to control my life. By releasing it, I can fully experience the love, presence and beauty of the people around me. You deserve that freedom too.
About Wise Psychic Counselling
Wise Psychic Counselling offers compassionate and insightful guidance to support your mental and emotional wellbeing. Our experienced team combines psychological expertise with intuitive wisdom to provide personalised counselling that helps you navigate life’s challenges, enhance personal growth and find inner peace. Whether you are seeking clarity, support or a deeper understanding of yourself, we are here to help you live a balanced and fulfilling life.
Ready to take the next step? Book a session with our counsellors today for tailored support and guidance. WhatsApp (messages only): +440707927020
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