#guilt

#guilt

Blame George Orwell, who in 1946 famously published "Why I Write," an essay contending with the motives of "political purpose" and "aesthetic enthusiasm," which fueled his career, even while noting that the decision to put pen to paper is in some ways inexplicable. "Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness," Orwell wrote.

Whether your pup is super expressive or more stoic in their vibes, dogs just never really hide how they're feeling. You always know where you stand with man's best friend and, sometimes, that can be a little alarming. Like when you walk in the door after work and are met by your dog peeking around the corner with their ears back.

Perfectionists often feel a deep sense of shame over even minor infractions, which exacerbates their internal distress and leads to black and white thinking about worth.

Maladaptive guilt keeps us stuck in self-blame and hinders growth. Guilt can be broken down into smaller parts to examine objectively.

For many of us, especially women, ambition and parenting have long been thought of as rival (if not warring) priorities. A parent who is all-in at work is assumed to be checked out at home.

Say no to guilt-driven commitments. Recognize that constantly saying yes can lead to burnout and resentment, distancing you from genuine connections with others.

Guilt, while seemingly negative, can provide an illusion of agency, suggesting that our efforts can influence change, masking an underlying sense of hope.