I love how the “silly guilts” (poop bags and unread books) are such an accessible entry point to reexamine all guilt! Found this so relatable and inspired me to inventory and find creative solutions for my daily guilts
Guilt is such a curious emotion. So much a part of American cultural tradition. And yet the people who are wrestling with it are usually the ones who probably need less and meanwhile there are so many who could stand to experience some social shame or guilt for their actions… that all said I’m curious whether some of this guilt might have other messages for you, not just the shoulds and should nots but also maybe it’s a part of you trying to be of service to a core desire in some way?
Love this! So relatable, and what a good solution to the familiar guilt-for-existing conundrum. (That laundry list at the beginning qualifies you as an expert, btw.) xo
“I feel guilty when I’m writing my Substack because it means I’m not on a walk in the sun.
I feel guilty when I’m on a walk in the sun because I’m not reading poetry.
I feel guilty when I’m reading poetry because I’m not writing my Substack.”
So true it hurts. Also I love that this piece turned out differently than what you were initially expecting—the true mark of a piece worth writing, if you ask me! ❤️
I love how the “silly guilts” (poop bags and unread books) are such an accessible entry point to reexamine all guilt! Found this so relatable and inspired me to inventory and find creative solutions for my daily guilts
“Daily guilts” ah that’s exactly it! And how exhausting is that?! That term is perfect.
Guilt is such a curious emotion. So much a part of American cultural tradition. And yet the people who are wrestling with it are usually the ones who probably need less and meanwhile there are so many who could stand to experience some social shame or guilt for their actions… that all said I’m curious whether some of this guilt might have other messages for you, not just the shoulds and should nots but also maybe it’s a part of you trying to be of service to a core desire in some way?
I love this curiosity! I completely agree, like, I don’t actually believe I need to feel guilty. It’s more like a preemptive repentance.
Loved this one, Jordan!
Thank you so much Makayla!
Jordan, I loved reading this so much - thank you for sharing! Also, I really adore the picture of you, you look lovely and most of all, happy.
Thank you so much for reading Maria!! It means so much coming from you, I always so admire your clear, honest essays
"Am I expected to have children? Am I expected to purchase my own poop bags?"
I loved this post: funny and poignant and oh, so relatable!
😆 it’s a giant scale of all the things I feel guilty about, big and small. Thanks for reading!!
Love this! So relatable, and what a good solution to the familiar guilt-for-existing conundrum. (That laundry list at the beginning qualifies you as an expert, btw.) xo
Oooof “guilt-for-existing” hits it right on the shame-ridden head. I’m an expert in my own experience, at least!
“I feel guilty when I’m writing my Substack because it means I’m not on a walk in the sun.
I feel guilty when I’m on a walk in the sun because I’m not reading poetry.
I feel guilty when I’m reading poetry because I’m not writing my Substack.”
So true it hurts. Also I love that this piece turned out differently than what you were initially expecting—the true mark of a piece worth writing, if you ask me! ❤️
I literally was like, I have to just let this GO. 🙃 Thank you for being the best cheerleader!!
Thank you for naming the guilt. It's comforting to see it laid out and how you've addressed it. <3
Forever uncovering new ways I feel guilty, and how I can let it go. Thank you for reading!!