Let go and be free

 I have been soaking up this cozy weather lately, and I hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am. Today, I went hiking, and it was absolutely stunning. But before I get into that, let’s chat about something that’s been on my mind: the art of letting go.

Now, I know letting go can be tough. Sometimes, it feels like trying to hug a porcupine painful and not very effective. But I’ve found that the ability to let go, even when it’s challenging, is crucial. Case in point: the bird on my window. For the past three days, I’ve been keeping a close eye on this little feathered friend.

It all started when the bird hatched, and I noticed it was all alone. No sign of the mom or its sibling. My human brain figured they’d be back eventually, but boy, was I wrong. When I saw the little guy barely moving yesterday, I was convinced it would starve to death. I even gave it a splash of water to check if it was still alive. It moved, so I knew it was still hanging in there.

This morning, as I headed out for my hike, I saw it again, flapping its wings. I was overjoyed it had survived! That little bird is a perfect metaphor for letting go. Just like the bird’s mom had to leave it to fend for itself, sometimes we need to let go of habits, people, and jobs we think we can’t live without. We may find ourselves in a tight spot, but the key is to let go and grow stronger, or risk getting stuck in a rut.

Letting go isn’t just about survival, though. It’s about thriving. Take my experience from last year, for instance. I was in a pretty dire situation. I lost my job and my accommodation almost simultaneously. As the sole breadwinner for myself, my siblings, and my aging parent, I was drowning in stress and overthinking every little detail. It felt like I was trying to juggle flaming swords while walking a tightrope.

Then I spoke with a coach who told me to let go of overthinking and put my trust in theAlmighty. At that point, I was so broken that even the thought of putting myself together seemed impossible. But I took a deep breath, surrendered my worries, and let them float away. This act of letting go brought me a newfound clarity and peace, allowing me to take each day as it came with a more relaxed attitude.

Letting go can often be the bridge to the other side of where you want to be. We all have habits ingrained from a young age, and sometimes we don’t realize that we could be better if we just let go of those habits. For instance, I used to be terrified of heights. But when I faced my fear and went hiking on a mountain over 1,000 feet above sea level, I discovered a newfound love for hiking. Since then, I haven’t stopped, and I’ve even started dreaming about traveling and owning my private jet. Letting go of my fear of heights was like removing the blindfold I could finally see the world in all its glory.

Another crucial aspect of letting go is distancing yourself from people who drain your energy with their negative vibes. Sometimes, we’re in one-sided relationships where our efforts are met with indifference. If you’ve had a conversation and nothing changes, it might be time to say, “Adios!” Life is too short to be bogged down by negativity. Letting go of worry and negative energy can pave the way for a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Let’s dive deeper into the concept of letting go. It’s like decluttering your mind and soul, much like how you’d clean out a closet. You wouldn’t keep clothes that no longer fit or are out of style, would you? The same principle applies to our mental and emotional baggage. Holding onto past grievances, outdated beliefs, or toxic relationships can weigh us down and hinder our progress.

Think of letting go as spring cleaning for the soul. It’s about making space for new, positive experiences and opportunities. When we release what no longer serves us, we create room for growth, happiness, and peace. It’s like planting a garden you have to pull out the weeds to allow the flowers to bloom.

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned about letting go is that it’s a continuous process. It’s not a one-time event, but rather a practice we must incorporate into our daily lives. Every day, we’re faced with situations that require us to release our grip and trust in the process. Whether it’s letting go of a grudge, a failed expectation, or a fear, each act of release brings us closer to our true selves.

For example, I once held onto the notion that I had to do everything perfectly. This perfectionist mindset was exhausting and ultimately unfulfilling. It took a lot of self-reflection and gentle nudging from supportive friends to realize that striving for perfection was holding me back. I had to let go of the need to be perfect and embrace the beauty of imperfection. This shift in perspective has allowed me to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them, which has been incredibly liberating.

Letting go also involves embracing change. Change can be scary, but it’s an inevitable part of life. By holding onto the past or resisting change, we limit our potential. Embracing change, on the other hand, opens up new possibilities and adventures. It’s like turning the pages of a book you never know what exciting chapter awaits unless you let go of the previous one.

Another aspect of letting go is forgiveness. Forgiving others, and ourselves, is a powerful way to release negative emotions and move forward. Holding onto grudges and resentment is like carrying a backpack full of rocks. It’s heavy and burdensome. By forgiving, we lighten our load and free ourselves from the chains of the past.

In my journey of letting go, I’ve also learned the importance of self-care. Taking time to nurture and care for myself has been essential in my ability to release stress and negativity. Whether it’s through meditation, exercise, or simply enjoying a cup of tea, these moments of self-care have become sacred rituals that help me maintain a balanced and peaceful state of mind.

As we navigate through life, let’s remember that letting go is an act of self-love. It’s about honouring ourselves enough to release what no longer serves us and make space for what does. It’s about trusting that we have the strength and resilience to overcome challenges and embrace new beginnings.

So, here’s to letting go of what doesn’t serve us and embracing the beauty of what’s to come. As we navigate through life, let’s remember to release what holds us back and make room for growth and happiness.

Love and light to you all. Have a fantastic weekend!!