Guilt loves to pretend it’s the truth,
But sometimes it’s just grief wearing a mask.
You’re not wrong for wondering what you could’ve done.
That’s love, trying to rewrite the past.
But you don’t have to punish yourself to honour them.
You can love them, miss them, ache for them; without turning it on yourself.

Even if guilt feels true, that doesn’t mean it is.
This is a place to set it down, even for a moment.

Journal Prompt

If you want to write, here’s a gentle place to begin

What guilt am I holding right now?
Whose voice does it sound like; mine, or someone else’s?
If I could speak to my guilt as if it were a small child, what would I say?

Gentle Ritual

If writing feels too much, try something with your hands

The Forgiveness Bowl (3–5 minutes)

1. Grab a bowl, cup, or jar; something simple.

2. Write your guilt onto scraps of paper. One thought per piece.

3. Drop them in the bowl.

4. Place your hand over the bowl and whisper:

“I don’t have to carry this alone. I am allowed to grieve without blame.”

Come back to the bowl when guilt resurfaces.
It’s not gone, but it’s held.

Optional: Try This

Or just walk with me for a minute. No pressure, just presence

The “It Wasn’t All Me” Walk
As you walk, repeat to yourself:

“I did the best I could with what I knew at the time.”
Breathe.
Say it again, even if you don’t believe it yet

Please Remember

You are not a villain in your own story.
Guilt is a symptom, not a sentence.
You are still worthy of love, even in this.