We don't judge each other here and that's why it's a safe place for us to come and talk about our issues.
Guilt almost overwhelmed me when I stopped drinking. I couldn't get past it. A beautiful lady from SR suggested that I journal. I had thought about it, but really resisted because I didn't want to see the words written down in black and white. But, I was desparate, so tried it. When I felt bad, I wrote it down and was surprised to see that the feelings lifted. I continued writing and writing and it took most of a year to get it all out. At the end of that time, I burned the journal. Dealing with guilt and shame is not a one time thing, in my opinion. It takes a period of letting go bit by bit, to get through it.
I used to worry all the time what others thought about me. What I found in recovery is this - I started to like myself, just a bit at first, but began to think I was okay. The more I liked myself, the less I cared about what others thought. Now, I don't give a hoot.
Legal lady, I am glad you're here and posting about your feelings.