The Mum-Guilt That Keeps You Putting Yourself Last

Guilt isn’t always loud.

Sometimes it’s quiet.
Constant.
Sitting in the background of your decisions.

Telling you:
you should be doing more
you shouldn’t feel like this
other people need you more

And over time…
this can shape how you live.

The pattern of self-sacrifice

You might notice:

• putting your needs last
• saying yes when you want to say no
• feeling responsible for how others feel

Not because you don’t matter.

But because it feels uncomfortable to prioritise yourself.

Where this can come from

For many people, guilt is learned.

It can develop in environments where:

• your needs weren’t prioritised
• you were rewarded for being “easy” or “helpful”
• or you had to care for others early

So choosing yourself can feel unfamiliar.

Or even wrong.

The cost

Over time, self-sacrifice can lead to:

• exhaustion
• resentment
• disconnection from yourself

Not because you’re doing something wrong…

But because you’re doing too much without support.

And we all know what that leads to... depletion and utter exhaustion right?

A different lens

Instead of asking:
“Why do I feel guilty?”

You might explore:
“What happens when I don’t prioritise myself?”

Ask yourself...

• Where am I overriding what I need?
• What feeling comes up when I consider choosing myself?
• What would support actually look like for me?
  
  

Sometimes guilt isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong.

It’s a sign you’re doing something different or chose yourself instead of doing everything for everyone else as you have done all the time up until now.

Talk soon.

Gretel xx
Greteljane Somatic Therapy
www.greteljane.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/greteljanesomatictherapy