On Guilt: Letting Go and Learning from the Past
Guilt can be heavy—but it’s also a sign of empathy. Learn how to process guilt with this guided reflection, written by a licensed therapist.
Updated on
July 22, 2025
This post is part of our series exploring difficult emotions through reflection.
Written by Jon, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, this guide helps you understand the roots of guilt and shows you how to move forward with clarity and self-compassion.
Letting Go of Guilt
When you feel guilty there are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself.
Are you irrationally holding onto this feeling? Did your action or lack of action truly cause disruption or pain to someone? If you caused someone else pain, how can you make amends?
Also remember, even though guilt does not bring positive emotions, you are human, you make mistakes and feeling guilt demonstrates you have deep empathy for others.
What happened happened. It is what it is. The past cannot be changed. Don’t waste too much energy dwelling on how you could have done differently. Focus on how you can now minimize the negative effects of your actions and learn for the future.
Related Stoic Quotes on Guilt
“As long as you live, keep learning how to live.”
— Seneca
Want more quotes? Read: Stoic Quotes About Guilt →
Journaling Prompts to Process Guilt
Prefer structure? Read: 10 Journaling Prompts to Let Go of Guilt →
3-Step How-To: Let Go of Guilt in 5 Minutes
Pause & Accept — Sit still and name the guilt you feel without judgment.
Reframe Gently — Write what you’d say to a close friend feeling the same way.
Act Forward — Name one way to take responsibility or self-forgive today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Stoics reflect on guilt?
Can guilt be useful?
What if guilt won’t go away?
Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private practice in Dubuque, Iowa. He has been providing mental health counseling to individuals and families in the Dubuque area since 1999 and earned his Mental Health Counselor license in 2005. Jon offers outpatient counseling in a private practice setting, primarily working with individuals aged 17 through adulthood.
Start Processing Guilt With Stoic
Turn guilt into growth. Use the Stoic app’s guided journaling to explore your feelings, reframe your thoughts, and act with intention.
