We all have our ways, our lines, and our boundaries. These lines are drawn for our own reasons, shaped by our experiences, values, and lessons learned. One of mine—perhaps the most important—has been with me since my mid-teens: I don’t mess with guilt.

Let me explain. Guilt is dangerous. It’s a tool some people use to hurt or manipulate, whether they realize it or not. It’s sneaky, often disguised as concern or a plea for help, but underneath, it’s corrosive. Guilt is always just a couple of steps away from shame, and shame can be the fast lane to depression. I’ve been there, done that, and I’m not walking that path again. My peace—my sanctuary—is far removed from that edge, and I intend to keep it that way.

Sometimes, people in your life will try to pull you back into old patterns. They might guilt you into doing things for them that they could (and should) do for themselves. Maybe you’ve already helped them countless times, but they want you to carry their load again. Here’s the hard truth: You can’t climb your own mountains if you’re constantly carrying someone else over theirs. I’ve carried that weight before—mentally, physically, and emotionally. I learned the hard way how heavy it is. When I finally let go of that burden, I realized it was in my best interest to protect my progress at all costs.

Old friends, familiar situations, even well-meaning people can sometimes tempt you to backslide. They’ll guilt you into saying yes to something you know you should say no to. But here’s the thing: once you let guilt steer your actions, you lose control. And when you lose control to guilt, it opens the door to other temptations. Most of the time, temptation isn’t even about something you truly want—it’s just something convenient, familiar, and tied to the past. Progress demands strength, and strength means saying no to guilt.

This isn’t something you can teach—it’s something you have to learn through experience. And for me, the lesson is clear: I don’t turn back. When I say I’m moving forward, I mean it. If someone can’t see the work I’ve put in to get here, they’re not really looking. If they did look, they’d probably be inspired. But I won’t sacrifice my progress to make someone else comfortable, especially when guilt is their weapon of choice.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m grateful to every person who has shaped my journey, even those who tried to guilt me. They’ve taught me something valuable: I can love and appreciate them without keeping them in my life. Not everyone deserves a seat on your boat, especially if they’re rocking it.

Let me wrap this up with something actionable: Do a guilt check in your life. Are you doing things for the right reasons? Are you taking accountability and responsibility for your own growth, and letting others do the same for theirs? Are you saying yes to yourself as much as you’re saying yes to others? Remember, you can’t be everyone’s hero, no matter how much they stomp and cry. (Kids are the exception—they’re your responsibility.)

Protect your peace. Guard your progress. And don’t let guilt be the reason you lose control of your journey.

Much Love!

thank you!