Finding Relief: Creating Less Guilt, Shame & Worry

Last night, I went to see Jonathan Safran Foer (author of Eating Animals and Everything is Illuminated) give a talk about his work. His talk was great, but there was one thing in particular that really got me. So much so, that I dug through my bag to find a little scrap of paper to write it down. I wrote down the word “RELIEF”. Jonathan explained that when he gave up eating meat he felt a sense of relief. Not in an elitist or better-than-you sort of way. Just a sense of relief that he didn’t have to think about this decision anymore – no more guilt or shame.

It really made me think about the concept of relief. Not really in terms of diet, but the overall feeling you get when you finally decide to make a big decision or face something you don’t want to.

Just this week, I finally got my accounting in order. I started working with a new accountant that showed me a program that was actually easy to use and helped me organize everything. I’m an overachiever when it comes to detail and getting stuff done. But when it came to accounting, not so much. I would put it off the whole year until things were actually due. And then the real struggle began – doing it. I did this because I didn’t feel “good” at accounting and some days I just didn’t want to face the numbers that I thought I might see. The weird part is that by choosing to do nothing about it, it actually made me think about it all the time.

As of this morning, all of my accounting is up to date and will be moving forward. I officially have a system in place that feels manageable (even kind of fun). You have no idea what a sense of relief I have. I no longer have to feel shame or guilt or have it take up space in my brain (which it has for as long as I can remember).

So, what about you? Is there something that you can face or take action on that could give you relief? Maybe it’s a big project you’ve been putting off or a conversation you don’t want to have. It might not be easy, but the relief you will feel might be worth it. The weight of the world lifted a little bit off your shoulders…with just a little action.

Keep me posted on how it goes.