Hi, I’m Chris! Welcome to the Rock Bottom Rising community. I’m genuinely grateful to have you here. My goal is to share my journey, along with the stories, tools, and resources that have made a difference in my life, to help you navigate your own challenges. Together, we’ll find strength, support, and hope to rise above life’s toughest moments.

Last week, I shared how the winter blues were hitting me hard. I’m happy to report that I’m feeling much better this week. I can’t pinpoint exactly why—maybe it’s the days slowly getting longer or the fact that I’ve been sleeping a little better. Whatever the reason, I’m grateful.

Sometimes, the weight of the world feels like too much to bear. There are moments when all I can do is have a good cry. Life can be tough, especially when you’re living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD. But no matter what challenges we face, our struggles don’t define us. Having depression doesn’t mean we are depression.

We are stronger than we think. We fight. We persevere. We carry on.

Take care of yourselves. Be well.

-CP

Table of Contents

• The Art of Letting Go: Freeing Yourself from Guilt …

• Resource Spotlight

• Community Spotlight

• Weekly Inspiration

• Crisis Resources

• Next Week

• Mental Break

• Last Word

Letting go can feel like one of the hardest things to do. Whether it’s guilt over a past mistake, regret for missed opportunities, or the weight of a grudge you’ve been holding, these feelings have a way of anchoring us to a place of pain. But what if I told you that learning to let go isn’t about forgetting or dismissing the past? It’s about freeing yourself from its control and creating space for growth, healing, and joy.

Why Holding On Hurts

Guilt and regret often serve a purpose in small doses. They can remind us of our values, teach us lessons, and guide us toward making better choices in the future. However, when these feelings overstay their welcome, they become toxic. Constantly replaying what went wrong can erode your self-esteem, keep you stuck in a cycle of self-punishment, and prevent you from living fully in the present.

It’s essential to remember: you are not your mistakes. Your worth is not defined by what went wrong but by how you choose to move forward.

Forgiveness: A Gift to Yourself

Forgiveness is often misunderstood. It’s not about condoning bad behavior or pretending something didn’t hurt. It’s about releasing yourself from the emotional burden of resentment and anger. When you forgive others—and yourself—you reclaim your energy and mental peace.

Start by acknowledging your feelings. Allow yourself to sit with the anger, sadness, or disappointment. Then, when you’re ready, make the conscious decision to let it go. You’re not erasing the past; you’re refusing to let it dictate your future.

Practical Steps to Let Go of Guilt and Regret

Letting go is a process, not a one-time event. Here are some actionable steps to help you begin:

1. Acknowledge and Accept

• Recognize the source of your guilt or regret. Write it down if it helps.

• Accept that you’re human and, like everyone else, you’re bound to make mistakes.

2. Reframe the Narrative

• Instead of focusing on what went wrong, ask yourself: What did I learn? How can this experience help me grow?

• Shift your perspective to see the mistake as part of your journey, not the end of it.

3. Practice Self-Compassion

• Talk to yourself as you would to a dear friend. Replace harsh self-criticism with kind and encouraging words.

• Remind yourself that growth comes from imperfection, not from being flawless.

4. Set Boundaries with Your Inner Critic

• When negative thoughts arise, gently redirect them. Say to yourself, “I’ve learned from this, and I’m moving forward.”

5. Engage in Rituals to Release

• Write a letter to your guilt or regret, then tear it up or burn it as a symbolic act of letting go.

• Meditate on the idea of release, visualizing the weight lifting off your shoulders.

The Freedom on the Other Side

Letting go doesn’t mean you’ll never think about the past again. It means those memories will no longer hold power over you. You’ll gain the emotional freedom to focus on what truly matters: the present moment and the possibilities it holds.

Imagine waking up and feeling lighter, unburdened by the mental replay of what could have been. That’s the gift of letting go. It’s not about erasing your past but transforming your relationship with it.

Closing Thoughts

The art of letting go is a practice—one that requires patience, effort, and self-love. But the rewards are worth it. By releasing guilt and regret, you’re giving yourself permission to heal, grow, and live fully. Forgiveness, both for yourself and others, isn’t just an act of kindness; it’s a radical act of self-liberation.

Remember, you are not defined by your past mistakes or missed opportunities. You are defined by the courage you show in moving forward. Letting go is the ultimate declaration that you are ready to reclaim your power and step into the life you deserve.

What's your story?

Share your experience by emailing [email protected].

Your story can inspire others and remind them they're not alone.

To create a supportive community that provides hope, resources, and guidance for individuals recovering from life's lowest points, helping them rebuild and rediscover their strength through shared experiences and practical support.

Millions of people—of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world—have experienced, are experiencing, or will experience hitting rock bottom at some point in their lives.

What does it mean to hit rock bottom? While some call it a midlife crisis, each person's experience is unique. It might be an overwhelming battle with depression or other mental health challenges. It might be severe financial hardship. It might be a marriage or relationship crumbling beyond repair. It might be an addiction that feels impossible to overcome. It may be the insurmountable grief from an unexpected loss. Often, it's a combination of these struggles.

Here’s what’s coming in next week’s newsletter.

• How to Reignite Your Passion and Purpose After a Setback

Thank you for sticking with me until the end—I genuinely appreciate it. I hope something I shared today resonated with you or offered value. If you have feedback, suggestions, a story to share, or an idea for contributing to this community, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out anytime at [email protected].

Your support means everything and helps this community thrive and grow. If you know someone who might benefit from this content, please pass it along! They can subscribe here: rockbottomrising.com/subscribe.

Together, we rise. 💛

-CP