How to beat that guilt you're feeling

Dear Passion Seeker,

I’ve just wrapped up my UK Born to Buzz book tour; I drove more than 600 miles (that's a lot in England, trust me!) and spoke with people from teenagers to retirees. I can't even tell you how beautiful it was to see Buzz make its way in the world.

One moment has stayed with me that I want to share with you. In Birmingham, in a room full of legal and finance pros (and gorgeous flowers!), a woman asked me: “How do I stop feeling guilty for doing the things I love?”

It didn’t sound like a question. It felt like something she had been carrying for too long. She didn’t need to explain it as I knew exactly what she meant.

Sorry, But The Guilt Doesn’t Go Away

I told her what I believe: that we absolutely, bloody deserve to do what we love (it’s the first Spark in Born to Buzz, after all.)

But, the more I have thought about her question, the more I realise this: we need to learn to live with guilt if we're going to have any chance of happiness in this life.

Wishing it away, wanting that "stab" to never happen again is wasting our precious energy. Why? Because we're never going to win. Society and this crazy modern world is always going to feed us the guilt line to keep us where we are.

Instead, I've discovered that guilt is a sign that we care, that we are human. You have responsibilities, and things that pull you back. Think about it – if those didn't exist, what would your life truly look like?

So, If We Know We Can't Win Against Guilt, Now What?!

When you spend just one hour doing something you genuinely love, even if you do it imperfectly or inconsistently, it changes how YOU show up. You respond differently to others, you return to your life a little steadier, perhaps more energized and a little more yourself.

The people around you feel it, and you have a better chance of doing good, of creating success and helping others do the same. Science has proven that pursuing our passions improved not only our mental health, but our physical health, too.

This is why I believe that we need to transform our GUILT into a GIFT.

Because when we pursue our passions, we nurture ourselves, and we give that gift to others.

So fine, guilt. Give us what you've got, if you think you're hard enough!!! Wave your darkness at us, will us to stop! We’re not going to – there is too much at stake!

Are you with me?!

Laura

Founder, Passion Collective