Letting Things Go

It’s important to let things go. Many would agree with that sentiment because it’s vital when trying to move forward. This could pertain to a grudge, past trauma or a bad relationship, just to name a few scenarios. Whatever your situation is, it’s necessary to let things go.

The reason that this is so important is that holding onto such issues simply doesn’t fix a damn thing. You may find yourself looking back into the past way too much, reliving certain terrible events over and over and over again. But why would you want to subject yourself to such hell? The past is the past and what’s done is done. There’s absolutely no point in holding onto your past troubles when nothing can be said or done today that would change it.

Moreover, holding onto your past prevents you from growing and healing as a person.  You’ll just continue to define yourself by your past, and that’s just not okay. Remember: YOUR PAST DOES NOT DEFINE YOU. It really doesn’t. You are so much more than your past. By letting things go, you’ll come out of it feeling stronger and better than ever. Your current actions define who you are- not your past.

So, how does one go about letting things go? Here are three tips to help you on your journey of letting go of your past:

1. Don’t try to control the actions of others

No matter how much you may want to, you can’t change someone if they have no desire to change. In order to let things go, you also need to let go about trying to fixing everyone and everything. As selfish as it may sound, focus on yourself instead. You only have one life, so why waste it trying to change people who aren’t willing to do so?

2. Worry about what YOU think about yourself

I speak from experience when I say that I’m notorious for worrying about what others think about me. This includes family, friends, co-workers, clients, and even complete strangers! The end results have included increased anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. I’m ashamed to say that this has been an issue of mine for years. But this year, I’ve decided to worry more about what I think about myself, rather than what others think. While it’s sometimes necessary, your own thoughts and opinions matter more in the long run. Plus, it will help you let go of any anxieties or fears you may harbour deep inside

3. Forgive, forgive, forgive

This last tip is somewhat controversial, so let me explain. Depending on what you’re holding onto, forgiveness is necessary. That may mean forgiving the person or people who’ve hurt you (if that’s the case). Sometimes that means forgiving yourself for whatever’s happened. If forgiveness is warranted, then do it. But if forgiveness on your part isn’t necessary- and the person or people who’ve hurt you won’t offer forgiveness for hurting you- then just let it go. There’s no use in holding onto this kind of resentment when it’ll only make moving on with your life impossible.

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Letting things go is as hard as it is necessary. Anyone who has ever had to do such a thing knows this all too well. But letting things go will allow you to better yourself in a number of ways. When you become a better person, your loved ones and those closest to you will notice. We all want to become better- and letting things go is one important step in achieving that.

xo,

Elizabeth