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What Feels “Wrong” to Enjoy?

Purpose:

To help you challenge things that feel “wrong” to enjoy because of how you were raised.

Instructions:

Step 1: Label It

If the thing you’re doing isn’t hurting you or anyone else, go ahead and label it as:

“Not wrong.”

Step 2: Do Some Research

Look up the benefits of the activity you feel guilty about and take notes.

For example:

– “Why rest is important for mental health”
– “Why it’s okay to spend money on yourself”
– “Benefits of play for adults”
– “Why saying no isn’t selfish”

Your goal here is to create a well-researched explanation of why this thing is not wrong, and actually healthy, normal, or necessary.

Step 3: Practice the Thing

Look for small, low-stakes ways to do the thing you feel guilty about.

For example:

– Sit down and rest for 15 minutes
– Spend money on something that brings you joy
– Say no without overexplaining
– Do something fun just for yourself

When the guilt comes up, don’t stop the activity.

Instead, pull out your well-researched reason, and sit with the discomfort.

Final Thoughts:

This won’t make the guilt disappear overnight, but it will build your tolerance for it.

And that’s the first step toward healing.