guilt

I found a 12 step group that is close to me and my therapist feels that I need to get out there and face my fears. The group is called, W.I.S.H., Women In Sexual Healing. On the back of the pamphet there is a list of emotions by Pia Melody. What I thought was so nice was that the emotions were listed by gifts they bring to one's life. Here they are:

Anger = Strength, energy, motivation
Fear = Wisdom, protection
Pain = Healing, growth
Loneliness = Reaching out, and reaching in
Shame = Humility, humanity
Guilt = Amends, values

I've been overwhelmed and feeling all these things the last few weeks. I never thought of the gifts these emotions bring.

I can use my anger to drive me forward and get me up and make me work harder. I can use my fear and pain to learn how to heal and to protect myself so I can get stronger. I can use my loneliness to reach out to those around me and to look within and find out what I need. I can use my shame to know that I am human and I can use my guilt to learn how to forgive myself and figure out what I think is right and wrong. When I am overwhelmed and low I can know that my HP is there, sending me messages on the back of pamphets, whispering in my ear.

See, even the bad emotions are gifts, too.