Is It Guilt or Shame?

Hey, my friend,

Sometimes our hearts feel heavy when we think about something we did.

It can make us feel bad, and we are not always sure why.

What we feel might be guilt, which comes from knowing we did something wrong and wanting to fix it.

Or it might be shame, which makes us feel like we ourselves are wrong.

It can be hard to tell the two apart sometimes, but seeing the difference between them can help us feel better.

Here’s a little poem that puts it into words:

Hey, my friend, when your heart feels tight,
And a mistake keeps you awake at night,

Take a moment, look closely, and see,
Is it guilt or shame that is visiting thee?

Guilt says, “I did something I can repair.”
It points to a step, choice, or care.

Shame says, “I am bad, I am not enough,”
It lingers and whispers, making life tough.

Guilt can guide you, show what to do,
It teaches, nudges, and helps you renew.

Shame pulls you down, keeps you in place,
It hides the truth of your worth and your grace.

When guilt appears, act on what you can,
Apologize, learn, or try a new plan.

When shame arrives, name it, let it unfold,
Remind yourself gently that your heart is bold.

Every feeling is a teacher, if you choose to see,
Guilt is a map, and shame is a thief.

So, notice the moment, write down what you feel,
Decide what is yours, and what you can heal.

Today, let guilt guide you and shame drift away,
Take one step forward, in your own kind way.

Your worth is intact; something no mistake can define,
You are enough, my friend, and your light will shine.

So, if guilt or shame comes up in the future, ask yourself if it is about something you did or how you feel about yourself.

Then, take one small step to make it right if it’s guilt or let it go if it is shame.

Mistakes you made do not define you, my friend, and each time you give yourself this care, your heart heals and feels a little lighter and freer.

I hope you’ll keep that in mind.

That is it for today, and see you tomorrow.

Take care,
Prasad Mairale
Petals of Positivity 🌸