Turning Guilt Into Growth: My Journey to Self-Forgiveness
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Time to read 6 min
We all carry stories we’re not proud of—moments where guilt clings to our hearts and whispers that we should’ve done more. For years, I let that guilt define me. But through motherhood, unexpected life changes, and a deeper understanding of myself, I discovered that guilt can be a guide—not a life sentence. This blog is a piece of that journey: raw, honest, and full of the kind of growth that only comes after we choose to forgive ourselves.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Weight I Couldn't Shake Life’s Detours Aren’t Failures Shifting the Narrative Around Success A New Vision: Purpose Beyond a Title Releasing Guilt: The Hardest Step in My Self-Forgiveness Journey You Are More Than a Piece of Paper Self-Forgiveness as an Act of Self-Love Lessons from the Journey Summary: the power of letting go YOUR TURN The Author FAQ COMMENTS
The Weight I Couldn't Shake
I’ve been there—more times than I can count. The weight of guilt from not finishing my nursing degree followed me for years. It wasn’t because I didn’t try. I went back to school more than once, full of determination. But life had other plans, and every time, something bigger needed me more.
Life’s Detours Aren’t Failures
The first time I tried, I found out I was pregnant—even though I was on birth control. My priorities shifted, and I put school on hold to care for my baby. Years later, I tried again, but my middle daughter’s cancer diagnosis changed everything. I became her full-time caregiver, focused on her treatment and healing. School faded into the background because my family needed me more.
When I attempted a third time, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Suddenly, so much of my past made sense—the struggles with focus, the overwhelm, the feeling that I just couldn’t keep up. For years, I thought there was something inherently wrong with me, that I wasn’t smart enough or disciplined enough to complete my degree. But my diagnosis gave me a new lens to see myself through.
“Sometimes the detours are the path”
It wasn’t about capability—it was about understanding how my brain worked and finding a path that aligned with who I truly was.
Shifting the Narrative Around Success
For years, I thought not finishing my degree meant I had failed. I internalized guilt, believing I had let everyone down—especially my daughters. But with time, therapy, and a lot of soul-searching, I started to see things differently.
I asked myself the hard questions:
Was nursing truly my dream?
Or was it a dream I inherited from others’ expectations?
What actually lit a fire in my soul?
The answers surprised me.
Helping people was still a deep passion—but I didn’t need a degree to make a difference.
A New Vision: Purpose Beyond a Title
As a CNA, I realized I was already doing meaningful work. I cared for people every day in real, tangible ways. I also had another dream—one that had lived in my heart since I was young: creating something of my own.
That dream became Wilde and Untamed, my boutique. A space where creativity meets healing. A platform where I can uplift others, share stories, and speak openly about mental health and self-forgiveness.
Releasing Guilt: The Hardest Step in My Self-Forgiveness Journey
Letting go of guilt wasn’t easy. It never is. Especially as a mom. Especially as a woman. The guilt seeped in quietly—telling me I hadn’t done enough, hadn’t become enough. But here’s what I’ve come to believe:
“Guilt is not a compass—it’s a weight”
Holding onto guilt didn’t make me more responsible. It made me stuck. And my daughters? They didn’t need a perfect version of me. They needed the real me. Present. Resilient. Authentic.
I realized that the greatest lesson I could give them was not how to chase someone else’s dream, but how to listen to their own heart.
You Are More Than a Piece of Paper
My worth isn’t tied to a degree. It’s in the way I mother. The way I love. The way I serve my patients and customers with heart. My self-forgiveness journey taught me that titles don’t define impact—intention does.
"The paper you’re chasing will never define the depth of your purpose"
You don’t need external validation to be valuable. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be worthy.
Self-Forgiveness as an Act of Self-Love
Forgiveness isn’t just about saying “I’m sorry” to others. Sometimes the person we need to forgive the most… is ourselves.
Say it out loud: I forgive myself.
Even if it feels uncomfortable. Even if your voice shakes. Even if part of you still clings to shame. Let the words come. Let them be a balm to your soul.
“Self-forgiveness is the bridge between guilt and peace”
Start small. Look in the mirror and offer yourself compassion. Reflect on how far you’ve come. Every step—no matter how untraditional—counts.
Lessons from the Journey
Through my self-forgiveness journey , I’ve learned:
Guilt doesn’t serve growth. It keeps us stuck in what was, not what is or what could be.
Your path is valid. Whether straight, winding, paused, or rerouted—it matters.
Dreams evolve. And that’s okay. Sometimes, the new dream is the one that finally feels like home.
You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. Your story, your heart, your healing is enough.
Summary: the power of letting go
Letting go of guilt was one of the most transformative parts of my life. My self-forgiveness journey didn’t happen overnight—it came in layers. Through motherhood, diagnosis, caregiving, and entrepreneurship, I learned that healing begins when we allow ourselves to be human.
If you’re carrying guilt for something—a degree unfinished, a path not taken, a dream deferred—I see you. And I want you to know this:
You are not alone.
You are not behind.
You are not broken.
You are growing. You are becoming. You are healing.
And you are so worthy of peace.
YOUR TURN
Is there something you're ready to let go of? Has guilt held you back from embracing your true path?
I’d love to hear your story. Leave a comment at the bottom of the page and connect with others on their own self-forgiveness journey. Let’s build a space of healing, hope, and honesty—together.
The Author
Hey there! Im Adrianna, mom of three, foster parent, and the creator of Wilde and Untamed. After my daughter’s cancer diagnosis flipped our world upside down, I found healing through creating. Now, I share my journey to remind others they’re not alone—and that even in the darkest seasons, there’s still light to be found.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you ever regret not finishing your nursing degree?
Honestly, there were moments I did. I carried a lot of guilt for a long time. But now, I know I was meant to take a different path. I’ve found healing and purpose in ways I never expected—and I wouldn’t trade that growth for anything.
How did you finally let go of the guilt?
It wasn’t overnight. It started with small reminders that my worth wasn’t tied to a title or what other people expected of me. Therapy, journaling, affirmations, and just being honest with myself helped me release it little by little. Some days it still creeps in, but I’ve learned to show myself grace.
What would you tell someone who feels like they’ve “failed” at something big?
You didn’t fail—you lived. You showed up, you tried, and life happened. That doesn’t make you any less worthy. Sometimes what looks like failure is just redirection. Be kind to yourself. You’re doing better than you think.
How do you handle the pressure of not living up to people’s expectations?
Whew, that’s a tough one. I used to constantly feel like I was letting everyone down. But I realized the only person I need to live up to is me. I check in with my heart more now—am I proud of who I’m becoming? Am I doing what feels aligned? That’s what matters most.
What helps you keep going on hard days?
My kids. My faith. My purpose. I think back on how far I’ve come and remind myself I’ve survived 100% of my worst days so far. I take a deep breath, give myself permission to rest when I need to, and keep showing up—imperfectly, but with love.
READY TO TURN GUILT INTO GROWTH AND HEAL ON YOUR TERMS?
Letting go isn’t easy—but you don’t have to carry the weight of guilt forever. Whether you’re learning to forgive yourself, release old shame, or simply take one small step forward, our Mental Health Collection is here to remind you: healing doesn’t have to look perfect. You are allowed to grow, messily and beautifully, at your own pace.
