Dear Empath, Do You Feel Guilty For Taking Care Of Yourself?

Author : Samantha Wilson

Many empaths experience high levels of “guilt”, and it’s not because they have wronged someone or acted in a terrible way. An empath feels guilty for wanting to meet their own desires and needs.

Guilt is a draining emotion that sits at bottom of the stomach like a dead weight. Guilt doesn’t burn like anger or hurt like shame but eats away at our ability to enjoy life.

Whilst a person can experience guilt for their past mistakes and actions, this post relates to underlying guilt for living our lives in our own way and taking care of our needs and wants.

Empaths have a natural tendency to feel guilty for making their happiness, health, and well-being a priority. The pressure to be everything to everyone is immense.

How often have you experienced saying yes to something out of a sense of obligation because you would experience guilt if you said no?

Do you take responsibility for the happiness, health and well-being of others whilst draining yourself in the process?

Do you struggle with the idea of living your life differently because you are afraid other people won’t agree?

Do you say yes to others when really you want to say no?

And if you do go against the grain and follow your desires, does guilt become your companion?

Related: The 5 Powers Of Empaths

When you feel guilty, you assume you are in the wrong. Yet, what if the feeling of guilt is actually a signal from your soul that you are on the right track? What if guilt is an indicator that you need to say no to others to say yes to you? That its ok to meet your needs, wants, and desires and you can’t be everything to everyone?

empath feels guilty

What if the feelings of guilt are a natural response to not wanting to do something that is asked of you?

What if this feeling isn’t really guilt at all but your desires translated into an emotion?

And what happens when you don’t listen to the feelings and go against your wishes? You feel resentful and drained. You live your life for others.

There will always be situations where you may need to take other people into consideration such as your children or in times of real need. It’s about discerning who you are truly responsible for.

If you change your perception of the feelings of guilt as an indicator from your inner intuition that you should take care of your needs and wants and live your life for yourself, then you free yourself from unnecessary guilt. You say yes to your wants and needs. You live life your way. You stop taking responsibility for other people. You thrive and enjoy life.

So, if you experience guilt for taking care of yourself, consider the feelings as an alarm bell ringing to let you know that you are on the right track. Listen to your body and start living life for you.


Dear Empath. Do Your Feel Guilty For Taking Care Of You
Empath Feel Guilty Taking Care Yourself pin

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Last updated on:

Samantha Wilson

Samantha is a free thinker on a personal quest for an authentic and heart-based life. After a 15 year career as a Lawyer in the UK, she took a leap of faith to change her life.  She lived in Andalucia in Spain and now spends her time in Porto, Portugal.  She works as Life Coach and helps women to overcome their fears, reconnect to their passions and purpose to start living the life they have always imagined.  In 2019, Samantha will be leading her tribe on adventure journeys on the Camino de Santiago.

Disclaimer: The informational content on The Minds Journal have been created and reviewed by qualified mental health professionals. They are intended solely for educational and self-awareness purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing emotional distress or have concerns about your mental health, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider.

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Many empaths experience high levels of “guilt”, and it’s not because they have wronged someone or acted in a terrible way. An empath feels guilty for wanting to meet their own desires and needs.

Guilt is a draining emotion that sits at bottom of the stomach like a dead weight. Guilt doesn’t burn like anger or hurt like shame but eats away at our ability to enjoy life.

Whilst a person can experience guilt for their past mistakes and actions, this post relates to underlying guilt for living our lives in our own way and taking care of our needs and wants.

Empaths have a natural tendency to feel guilty for making their happiness, health, and well-being a priority. The pressure to be everything to everyone is immense.

How often have you experienced saying yes to something out of a sense of obligation because you would experience guilt if you said no?

Do you take responsibility for the happiness, health and well-being of others whilst draining yourself in the process?

Do you struggle with the idea of living your life differently because you are afraid other people won’t agree?

Do you say yes to others when really you want to say no?

And if you do go against the grain and follow your desires, does guilt become your companion?

Related: The 5 Powers Of Empaths

When you feel guilty, you assume you are in the wrong. Yet, what if the feeling of guilt is actually a signal from your soul that you are on the right track? What if guilt is an indicator that you need to say no to others to say yes to you? That its ok to meet your needs, wants, and desires and you can’t be everything to everyone?

empath feels guilty

What if the feelings of guilt are a natural response to not wanting to do something that is asked of you?

What if this feeling isn’t really guilt at all but your desires translated into an emotion?

And what happens when you don’t listen to the feelings and go against your wishes? You feel resentful and drained. You live your life for others.

There will always be situations where you may need to take other people into consideration such as your children or in times of real need. It’s about discerning who you are truly responsible for.

If you change your perception of the feelings of guilt as an indicator from your inner intuition that you should take care of your needs and wants and live your life for yourself, then you free yourself from unnecessary guilt. You say yes to your wants and needs. You live life your way. You stop taking responsibility for other people. You thrive and enjoy life.

So, if you experience guilt for taking care of yourself, consider the feelings as an alarm bell ringing to let you know that you are on the right track. Listen to your body and start living life for you.


Dear Empath. Do Your Feel Guilty For Taking Care Of You
Empath Feel Guilty Taking Care Yourself pin

Published On:

Last updated on:

Samantha Wilson

Samantha is a free thinker on a personal quest for an authentic and heart-based life. After a 15 year career as a Lawyer in the UK, she took a leap of faith to change her life.  She lived in Andalucia in Spain and now spends her time in Porto, Portugal.  She works as Life Coach and helps women to overcome their fears, reconnect to their passions and purpose to start living the life they have always imagined.  In 2019, Samantha will be leading her tribe on adventure journeys on the Camino de Santiago.

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