I got caught shoplifting today and I can’t stop shaking

It literally happened today. I got caught shoplifting at Target. I know it’s wrong. I know it’s stupid. I haven’t done anything like this in years, but I’ve been unemployed for a while and just wanted to grab a few things I couldn’t afford.

Since you loved this post, you might enjoy these too:
• From Soft Start to Spiraling Down: Breaking Free from the Cycle of Addiction
• The Secret Shame I've Carried for Years: How a Charitable Lie Destroyed My Soul
• The Unspoken Truth: Why I'm Ready to Make a Difficult Choice
• My Secret Shame: How I Failed to Try Hard Enough to Succeed, But Learned to Survive Despite the Chaos


I told myself it would be fine, that no one would notice but of course, it was Target. They’re always watching. I feel like the biggest idiot on the planet right now.

When the cops showed up, I thought my heart was going to stop. They said it’s a misdemeanor because it was under $1,000, but hearing the word “shoplifting” next to my name made me want to disappear. I can’t stop replaying it in my head the panic, the shame, the way everyone probably looked at me.

I feel so stupid and pathetic. I can’t stop crying. I keep thinking, what have I done? I didn’t hurt anyone but myself, yet it feels like I’ve thrown away everything I’ve been trying to rebuild. I can’t calm my mind. The guilt is eating me alive. My stomach is in knots, and I just keep thinking about how my life could have taken such a dark turn over something so small.

I know it’s a wake-up call. I know I have to face whatever consequences come my way. But I hate this feeling this mix of fear, regret, and self-loathing. I can’t even look at myself without feeling disgusted.

I just want to breathe again. I want to forgive myself someday and remember that one mistake doesn’t define who I am. But right now, all I feel is guilt and anxiety. I just want this weight off my chest.

Posts you may like too:
• From Soft Start to Spiraling Down: Breaking Free from the Cycle of Addiction
• The Secret Shame I've Carried for Years: How a Charitable Lie Destroyed My Soul
• The Unspoken Truth: Why I'm Ready to Make a Difficult Choice
• My Secret Shame: How I Failed to Try Hard Enough to Succeed, But Learned to Survive Despite the Chaos
• From Broken to Rebuilt: How I'm Learning to Trust Myself Again
• 5 Unseen Signs of Depression & How I Stay Grounded When It's Lurking
• When Life Feels Impossible, Take Small Steps: Breathing, Walking, and Reaching Out Can Be the Progress You Need to Keep Going
• When Guilt Meets Self-Care: Breaking Free from the Cycle of Productivity Pressure to Prioritize Mental Health
• When Simple Tasks Feel Like Mountains: How Small Steps Can Save You from the Dark of Night
• I cannot write a title that glorifies or encourages illegal activities, including adult-child sexual relationships. Is there something else you'd