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Of all the ways you can increase your personal power, gratitude is one of the most important.
It’s hard at times. There may be times when you feel guilty for spending on life’s luxuries. There may be feelings of compassion, empathy, and guilt for those who will never have the same opportunities.
Personal power increases your sense of empathy so understand that you’re on the right path. However, when your empathy and compassion for others leads to guilt, change your mindset and remember to be grateful — not guilty!
3 Ways to Feel Grateful Without Guilt
1. Pay it back
When you feel compassion for others who have less than you, the best way to give is to be of service. You can give away happiness, and that’s just by giving people something you know they will appreciate: your time.
If you then feel guilty about not having the time to be of service, an online search for a local charity is one way to determine where to donate because there are voluntary organizations that need the cash to help provide for those in need. You can donate to registered charities in under ten minutes. You do have time.
2. Stop Comparing
Comparisons are the pathway to negative emotions that eat away at your positive power. The instant you start comparing yourself, your feelings, attitude, and what you have to others, you are opening yourself up for guilt.
From a young age, we are taught that we should be grateful for everything we get because others are worse off. So, guilt is ingrained us.
That needs to be let go. Just be grateful without bringing any comparisons
3. Use Gratitude to Serve Loved Ones Better
Being grateful for the people you have in your life -– as support, mentors, friends, and shoulders to lean on -– can bring about guilt too.
How can I say (or write) I’m grateful for my family when I act like work’s my main priority?
Decide to make changes and spend quality time with those you’re grateful to have in your life. Do a home visit, a video call, or phone the person. Don’t just type things into private messages on social media.
Speaking to people instead of text messages strengthens relationships. Use your guilt to drive change for the better. Don’t let it deplete your energy.
I am offering a free report “5 Simple Ways to Be Happier” — click on the link and get the PDF. An additional book is available in my store: Happiness Begins With You Check out this Journal on Amazon: Belief in Yourself and Magic Will Happen
Loving Life–The Reboot!
Dominique
Comments
What an amazing article. I love your last point. It is indeed important for us to really connect with the people we are grateful for, and have a real communication with them instead of just texting them or liking their posts on social media. ~ Ola @ WanderWithOla
Author
Social media has really taken a toll on our communication skills, hasn’t it?
I need to learn how to stop comparing myself to others. It’s my biggest weakness.
Author
It can be challenging but you can do it!
I agree: paying back or even paying in advance is the best approach in appreciation path. No guilt should shoulder you
Author
Very true. I like the way you put that!
Such a wonderful reminder! We should always pay it forward – you may never know how far those seeds you plant will go, but for sure they will grow.
Author
What a lovely reminder! We definitely need to help each other and be kind. We aren’t very nice these days!
This is a very well written list! I agree that people need to stop comparing themselves to other people!
Author
Thank you and thank you for reading! Have a lovely day!
Thank you for this! I needed it and I have been stressing myself for these past few months. It’s great to remember to not compare yourself. You are different.
Author
We are all fabulous! And no one looks like they do on Instagram all the time! 🙂
Dont compare! I’ll agree with that. The only way to be content with yourself is by actually not comparing yourself with others. Gratitutde is also important since a small word like ‘thank you’ can speak a lot!
Author
Just those two words “thank you” can mean so much to someone! THank you for reading!
This post is beautifully written. Our lives would be in peace the day when we decide to stop comparing.
Author
Thank you! Have a beautiful day!
Social Media has become a gateway for us to start comparing our lives to others and it is not good. We should stop comparing and look at others as inspiration instead.
Author
Agreed! We all need inspiration! Thanks for reading!
There are times that I get to compare myself too. I kow it’s not healthy, but there just seem to be days that I can’t help but do so. Thanks for this reminder nonetheless. I have to get back up and do what I can do to better myself and not let the comparisons hinder me from just being the best version of myself.
Author
Good luck! Live your best life and have a wonderful day!
Some great tips here for those that are struggling with guilt 🙂 I hope they find the article helpful x
Author
Me too! Have a beautiful day!