Letting Go

Not letting go can be like carrying a huge rucksack of pain around your back wherever you go.

“If you always watch the demons behind you, then you will never see the angels ahead.” – ANONYMOUS

Before we let go, we need to recognize and accept what we are holding onto and why.  Sometimes it can be difficult to spot these attachments, so it can be useful to step back so you can see more clearly.  Is it a behavior, emotion, relationship (past or present) or unhelpful thoughts?

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Physical release

If you are hanging onto emotions, there is nothing better than beating the hell out of a pillow.  Really let loose.  Scream, shout, yell.  You will be amazed at how effective this is.  Physical release often leads to emotional and mental clarity.

Releasing the past

Make a ‘because list’.  Beliefs you hold about yourself and your future because of past events.

It could include:

• Because he hurt me, I can never trust another man.
• Because I was bullied at school, I can never make new friends.
• Because I failed that exam, I will never succeed at anything.

Now, apply logic to it.  Why should something that happened in the past stop you from living your life now?  Imagine talking to your best friend, and then give the same advice to yourself.  Be your own best friend.

Releasing people

This is difficult, but with hard work and determination it is possible.  It can help to visualise the person shrinking in size until they disapear. 

Once you have let go, you can get on with living your life to the full.