Guilt Trip

In his talk “Of Things That Matter Most” Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said;

“One key relationship we have is with ourselves. It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential.”

“Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely. … He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.”

Teaching people how to have a meaningful relationship with themselves is one of my favorite topics!

I hope that you enjoy this silly little story!

I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found myself packing rather hurriedly. This trip was going to be unpleasant, and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it. This was my annual Guilt Trip.

I got tickets to fly there on “WISH-I-HAD” airlines. It was an extremely short flight. I got my “baggage,” which I could not check. I chose to carry it myself all the way. It was loaded down with a thousand memories of “what might have been.”

No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the Regret City International Airport.

I say international because people from all over the world come to this dismal town.

As I checked into the “Last Resort Hotel,” I noticed that they would be hosting the year’s most important event — the annual “Pity Party.” I wasn’t going to miss that great social occasion. Many of the town’s leading citizens would be there. First, there would be the “Done” family; you know, “Should Have,” “Would Have” and “Could Have.” Then there would be the “I Had” family. You probably know old “Wish” and his clan. Of course, the “Opportunities” family; “Missed” and “Lost” would be present. The biggest family there would be the “Yesterdays.”

There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share. Of course, “Shattered Dreams” would surely make an appearance. “It’s Their Fault” family would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in their life. The “Don’t Blame Me” and “I Couldn’t Help It” committee would loudly applaud each story.

To make a long story short, I went to this depressing party, knowing full well there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, I became very depressed. But as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that this trip and subsequent “pity parties” COULD be canceled by ME!

I started to realize that I did not have to be there. And I didn’t have to be depressed. One thing kept going through my mind: I can’t change yesterday, but I do have the power to make today a wonderful day. I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled and encouraged, as well as being encouraging.

Knowing this, I left Regret City immediately and didn’t leave a forwarding address. Am I sorry for mistakes I’ve made in the past? YES! But there is no way to undo them.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Regret City, please cancel all reservations now. Instead, take a trip to a nice place called: “Starting Again.” I like it so much that I’ve made it my permanent residence. My neighbors, the “Been Forgiven” and the “We’re Saved” are so very helpful. By the way, you don’t have to carry around the heavy baggage anymore either. That load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival at “Starting Again.” But don’t take my word for it, find out for yourself.