6 Everyday Guilt Triggers—and How to Let Them Go

How much of your mental energy is wasted on unnecessary guilt every single day? 
 
Karen Stones confronts six everyday guilt-triggers - from declining invitations without elaborate excuses to ignoring text messages without apology, Karen challenges midlife's unnecessary guilt trips. "Age should bring wisdom," she reminds listeners while sharing her own struggles with saying no. Her practical advice? Simply say, "Thank you for thinking of me, I'm not able to make it" – no excuses needed. Karen's candid confession about skipping a five-year-old's birthday party gives listeners permission to prioritize their precious time without the guilt baggage. 
 

Ever feel guilty about forgotten birthdays, not tipping at counter service, or - gasp - actually relaxing? You're not alone. Karen dives into these midlife guilt traps with humor and practical solutions. "I hope it was a great birthday," she suggests as the perfect response when you've forgotten someone's special day. Karen even admits her own struggle with Netflix guilt, sharing the story of a woman who jumps off the couch when her husband comes home. The episode concludes with permission to say no to volunteering when your schedule is already packed. The message? It's time to drop the guilt and reclaim your midlife sanity. 
 
In this episode: 

• (00:00) Are Guilt Triggers Ruining Your Midlife Happiness? 

• (00:37) Declining Invitations: The No-Excuse Method That Actually Works 

• (03:03) The Text Message Guilt Spiral (And How to Break It) 

• (05:18) Forgotten Birthdays: The Perfect Response When You've Messed Up 

• (07:38) The Tipping Dilemma: When Obligation Replaces Appreciation 

• (09:57) Netflix Guilt: Why Relaxation Feels So Uncomfortable in Midlife 

• (12:04) The Volunteering Pressure: Setting Boundaries with School, Sports & Community 

• (15:21) What Do You Feel Guilty About? Drop me a message!  
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Resources: 
 

http://thirtyfivesixtyfour.com