Episode Overview:

In this episode of You Keep Me Sane, Aileen and Julie dive deep into the weight of guilt—how we carry it, why we feel it, and whether it’s even the right word for what we’re experiencing. They explore how guilt is often misplaced, ingrained in us from childhood, and tied to expectations that may not even be ours. Is it actually guilt, or is it just sadness, regret, or feeling bad? And how do we begin to let it go?

Key Discussion Points:

🔹 The Difference Between Guilt and Feeling Bad – Are we actually doing something wrong, or are we just reacting emotionally to life’s complexities?
🔹 The Heavy Weight of Guilt – How guilt creeps into motherhood, relationships, work, and even daily decisions like missing a workout or canceling plans.
🔹 Guilt as a Habit, Not a Truth – The societal and cultural conditioning that teaches us to feel guilty for simply existing.
🔹 Constructive vs. Destructive Guilt – When guilt is useful (motivating repair or change) versus when it’s an unnecessary energy drain.
🔹 Practical Steps to Let Go of Guilt – How reframing, self-compassion, and open conversations can help lighten the load.

Listener Takeaways:

• Ask yourself: Have I actually done something wrong? If not, it’s not guilt—it’s just a feeling that needs acknowledgment.
• Challenge ingrained guilt—where does it come from? Cultural norms, childhood conditioning, or societal expectations?
• If guilt motivates positive change, use it. If it just weighs you down, let it go.
• Talking about guilt with someone you trust can strip it of its power.

Join the Conversation:

What role does guilt play in your life? Have you been labeling sadness or regret as guilt? We’d love to hear from you! Send us a message or leave a voicemail.

And if you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Remember, you don’t need to carry guilt to prove you care—you are already enough.

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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

Editor: Allia Lenit Galos

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Disclaimer:

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.