Guilt is a particularly interesting emotion. The great 21st century philosopher Angelina Jolie once said that she
'[doesn't] believe in guilt, [she believes] in living on impulse as long as you never intentionally hurt another person, and don't judge people in your life. [she thinks] you should live completely free.' (This may have been why I married her.)
While I agree that we should all be free of unnecessary guilt -- both in ourselves, for the things we cannot control, and when it comes to shaming others -- but I
also believe that guilt, when tied to responsibility and failure is important and is an important part of process of self forgiveness.
I know there is plenty I should and do feel guilty about, I'm sure we could all say the same -- What I've done about that feeling, however, has almost never been positive. My methods of coping were always destructive to myself and my relationships with others -- I think that I am doing better with that here, and I do hope that anyone else who is here and is struggling with some stubborn thoughts, feelings and reflections, does their best to turn it into something positive for themselves and others.
I've seen it done, and while I know it's difficult I can also say that there are fewer actions that I admire more sincerely.
[Joan Watson]Does it bother you, at times, that you can't visit him while you're here? Do you feel as though you are shirking some responsibility, I only ask because I am curious and it seemed the correct segue into an inquiry about whether or not you were all right?
[Jesse Pinkman]I did not know you maintained such a fondness for woodworking. It's something I'd certainly like to learn more about.