Escaping Toxic Guilt
Introduction: The Hidden Net
Part I: The Guilt Trap
Chapter 1: What Is Guilt
Chapter 2; Naming Our Guilt
Chapter 3: Sorting it Out: Case Studies
Chapter 4 : Psychological Underpinnings of Guilt
Chapter 5: The Dynamics of Guilt
Chapter 6: The Cultural Underpinnings of Guilt
Part II: The Eight-Guilt Inducing Situations
Chapter 7: Guilt in Relationships
Chapter 8: Guilt and Children
Chapter 9: Guilt and Parents
Chapter 10: Guilt and Religion
Chapter 11: Guilt and the Workplace
Chapter 12: Guilt and Arguments
Chapter 13: Guilt and Sexuality
Chapter 14: Guilt and Pregnancy
Part III: Escaping Toxic Guilt
Chapter 15: Step One: Speak the Truth
Chapter 16: Step Two: Claim Territory
Chapter 17: Step Three: Brace for the Storm
Chapter 18: Step Four: Ride the Wind
Chapter 19: Step Five: Patrol the Borders
Conclusion
Your life's journey shouldn't be a guilt trip
Do you feel responsible for everyone around you? Do you value the feelings of others more than your own? Do you have unrealistic expectations of yourself? Then you may be trapped by toxic guilt.
Trying to win the approval of others--whether they are your parents, spouse, colleagues, friends, children, or church--while being trapped by toxic guilt can strain your relationships, drain your energy, and dominate your life. The five easy-to-follow steps in Escaping Toxic Guilt can liberate you from these self-defeating patterns and put you on the path to living life fully, joyfully, and on your own terms.
By following this simple, effective plan, you will be able to:
- Recognize the difference between good guilt and toxic guilt
- Build boundaries around your time and emotions
- Weather the storm of people's disapproval
- Find freedom through forgiveness and relinquishing control
- Protect your sense of self while still caring for others