InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration
January 23, 2026
The Pathway to Integrated Living
— Daily reminders for a conscious, connected life —
There's a destructive cycle many of us know too well: we do something we judge ourselves for, feel guilty, try to forgive ourselves, then repeat the same behavior. Round and round we go, believing that guilt somehow makes us virtuous or humble. But what if guilt isn't a virtue at all? What if it's the very force that keeps us trapped, ensuring we repeat the patterns we're trying to escape?
The focus for today is:
Guilt is nothing but a destructive force and no positive energy can ever be created out of it.
Today's message is inspired by Carla van Raay, author of the book: Healing from Abuse - A Practical Spiritual Guide
Carla van Raay makes a crucial distinction: guilt is different from remorse. Remorse allows us to learn from our mistakes and move forward; guilt keeps us stuck in a cycle of self-judgment and repetition. Guilt perpetuates what we're guilty about because it's attached to our self-image as someone who "should not act like this." The only way out is through loving acceptance of self, no matter what the feeling or action might have been. When we choose remorse over guilt and release judgment, new energy becomes available for new choices—choices resting on self-love, not self-hatred.
CONTINUE READING the complete article here:
Overcoming Guilt's Damaging Cycle
Author: Carla van Raay
A Reminder:
Guilt is nothing but a destructive force and no positive energy can ever be created out of it.
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RELATED BOOK: Healing from Abuse - A Practical Spiritual Guide
Drawing from her own journey from Catholic nun to survivor and spiritual mentor, Carla van Raay offers practical guidance for breaking free from destructive patterns of self-judgment and guilt. This book provides spiritual tools for healing and transformation.
Important: Use the book purchase link from the InnerSelf article page — not a generic Amazon or publisher link — to ensure affiliate credit and proper tracking.
For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition and Audiobook.
About the Author
Carla van Raay migrated to Australia in 1950 from the Netherlands. She was a Catholic nun until age 31; left and became a sex worker: both life choices based on early sexual abuse. Her memoir God's Callgirl became a best seller in several countries. Carla has resided in Western Australia since 1980 as teacher, author and spiritual mentor. She is a mother and grandmother.
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