Shame carries cringe moments you’d like to unload and never see again. However, if we don’t get rid of the shame, the load gets heavier, and it’s a constant reminder of our old behaviors. As we get healthy and sober, we must let go of guilt.

Shame can make you think you don't deserve to be happy, but that's not true. Plus, shame can be a sneaky trigger, nudging you back to escape those awful feelings. Maybe you said or did things that hurt your family or friends. It could be lying, bailing on responsibilities, or getting into arguments. Or perhaps you're beating yourself up over lost time, opportunities, or how you treated yourself. Shame is looking back and only seeing a highlight reel of mistakes. You need to exit that movie theater and never return.

But here's the deal: You must remember that you're on the path to not being the same person you were. Recovery is about growing and changing, releasing that shame, saying, "Yeah, I messed up, but I'm working on being better."

As always, have a support group, surround yourself with people who see the best in you, and encourage you to dump shame and guilt. Remind yourself of the steps to improve instead of going down the same spiral.

Keep moving forward; leave all the shame behind you. What guilt can you dump today? Release it and be done with it forever.

* For Sober coaching with Justin, click here.

** For Justin's 90 Days of Sobriety course, click here.

*** To buy Daily Sober, click here.