Turning Guilt Into Growth

I’ve been there—more times than I can count. For a long time, I carried the guilt of not finishing my nursing degree. It wasn’t for a lack of trying—I went back to school multiple times, determined to make it work. But life always seemed to throw something in my path that demanded my focus elsewhere.

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. It wasn’t about capability—it was about understanding how my brain worked and finding a path that aligned with who I truly was.

That’s when everything shifted. I began a new healing journey, one where I dug deep into what I wanted out of life. I asked myself the hard questions: Was nursing really my dream, or was it the dream others expected of me? What did I want to do with my life that would make me feel fulfilled?

The answer surprised me. Nursing wasn’t my calling, but helping people was. I realized I didn’t need a degree to make a difference in the world. I could continue doing the work I was passionate about as a CNA—a job I love and one where I feel I truly make a difference—and build something of my own on the side.

That’s how the idea for my business was born. I envisioned creating a space where I could help people in a different way, combining my love for creativity and my passion for mental health. Starting my boutique was a lifelong dream I never thought possible. It’s become so much more than a store—it’s a platform where I can spread messages of hope, healing, and empowerment.

Letting go of the guilt about not finishing my degree wasn’t easy. For years, I felt like I had let everyone down—myself, my family, and especially my daughters. I worried they’d see me as someone who gave up, who didn’t try hard enough, or who wasn’t strong enough to reach her goals. But as I’ve walked this journey, I’ve come to realize that the opposite is true.

My daughters don’t need me to be a nurse. They don’t need me to have a title or a degree. They need me to be present, to show them what it looks like to face life’s challenges head-on, and to see their worth beyond society’s expectations. By pursuing my dreams—on my own terms—I’m teaching them that it’s okay to change direction, to find their own paths, and to define success in ways that feel authentic to them.

If you’re carrying guilt about something in your life—a choice you made, a dream you didn’t chase, or a path you didn’t take—I want you to know that you’re not alone. Maybe you’re questioning your worth, wondering if you’ve done enough, or replaying the “what-ifs” over and over. I’ve been there, too.

But here’s what I’ve learned: guilt doesn’t serve us. It doesn’t make us better or stronger. It keeps us stuck in the past, unable to see the beauty of where we are right now.

When I finally let go of the guilt about my degree, I realized that my worth wasn’t tied to a piece of paper. It’s tied to how I live my life and the love I pour into the people around me. It’s in the way I care for my family, the way I show up for my patients as a CNA, and the way I pour my heart into my business.

Letting go of guilt is an act of self-love. It’s about recognizing that we’re human, that we’re always growing, and that we’re worthy of grace. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or ignoring our choices—it means learning from them and moving forward with intention.

If you’re struggling to forgive yourself, I encourage you to start small. Look in the mirror and say these words: I forgive myself. It might feel awkward at first, but over time, those words will start to feel lighter.

Remember this: every experience is a stepping stone to growth. Even the moments we wish we could rewrite have shaped us into the people we are today. You are not your mistakes. You are not your guilt. You are a beautiful, resilient, ever-evolving human being who is worthy of love, forgiveness, and peace.

Today, give yourself the gift of self-forgiveness. Let go of the guilt, embrace the lessons, and move forward with an open heart. You deserve that healing, that freedom, and that joy.

What about you? Is there something you’ve been carrying that you’re ready to let go of? Have you had moments where guilt has held you back, or times when you’ve found healing through self-forgiveness?

I’d love to hear your story. Share your thoughts in the comments—your perspective might just be the inspiration someone else needs to begin their own journey toward self-forgiveness. Let’s create a space where we can support and encourage one another.