Recently, I unwhittingly performed my own little guilt experiment. In retrospect the accidental experiment has really helped me to understand what a heavy emotional draw that even a little guilt imparts. I've been glogging for a few weeks now, but after about 10 days, I went for a stretch with no entries. About 3 days. In that short period of time, my attitude did a 180 and reverted back to my old, impatient, cyncical way. The effect that glogging has is phenominal. Conversely, the magnitude of the impact of life without gratitude is astounding.
Back on track with my glogging now, I understand that my anger was due to guilt. I knew that stopping for just 3 minutes every day to give thanks for the blessings of the days is what helps me take what I want from that day and leave the rest behind. Not doing so was making me angry. I felt that there was no direction, no control, and nothing worthy of gratitude. Three short days. Imagine how your friends and family are affected when you fall off your track. Now imagine how the joy, over which you seize control through gratitude, must be sorely missed for those who do not know how to take control.
I can't say that all guilt is due to a lack of gratitude. However, this simple experiment helped me to understand the devastating impact of guilt itself. Fortunately, I knew that the way to reverse this guilt was to resume glogging. Whenever I feel guilty I recall the adage: "guilt is anger turned inward." Some words of wisdom are difficult to understand without the experience.
