I thought this would be a nice timely article to post today. I hope you enjoy it!
The Art and Meaning of 'Letting Go'!
So you want a better body, better health, more energy, or maybe less stress? But is there room in your life for all these things? Do you need to let go of something, in order to make room for the things you want?
The principle of “letting go” or “The Law of Sacrifice” is an interesting one to explore... Letting go of something (or even someone!) in your life that doesn’t serve you in a the best or most positive way creates the necessary space for something new, more positive, exciting and challenging. It allows for growth. It allows us to move forward in life, in the right direction and into a “new reality”.
So what exactly should we be letting go of?
We all carry “clutter” in some form or another – physically and mentally! Losing mental, emotional or material clutter works wonders for allowing magic and surprise to appear! Here are a just a few “hangers on” that commonly hold people back from achieving, or maintaining the very things they truly desire… whether that be better health, incorporating healthier lifestyle habits, a slimmer body, or simply a happier existence.
Let go of your past
Hanging on to what hasn’t worked in the past is a futile exercise. The past has gone, the present is now, and the future is for you to create, and explore as you wish. Hanging on to thoughts such as “I failed”, and therefore “I am not good enough” or “It didn’t work last time” are all self-defeatist statements. Self-dialogue like this simply feeds low self-esteem and low self-confidence. There are no mistakes and there are no failures - simply stepping stones, learned lessons and experiences on each of our “unique” journeys in life. Remember that every day is a new day, so forget the past and decide NOW how you want to live and be. Believe in yourself, and then set to work and create!
Let go of the need to conform or go with the crowd
Allow yourself to be "you", and be able to say "no'' or "I can’t” when faced with a situation that doesn't fit with you or your goals. Learning to say “no” is the fastest way to self-empowerment and inner strength – so try it!
Let go of the need to conform to an "ideal" look, style, label or body! This can release an enormous amount of mental energy that you can put to much better use! Embrace your uniqueness and then express that to the world with confidence, self-acceptance and self-love.
Let go of perfectionism
Apart from anything else – it’s exhausting! Trying to be perfect all the time leads to stress, anxiety and depression. Learning to let go of the things you cannot change, accept the beauty and gifts that you have, and then focusing on the things you can change, is a huge step forward in life.
Let go of unsupportive habits…
… by introducing new, positive habits! Starting something new and exciting such as taking a dance class, booking a Pilates class, learning to sing, or joining a book club, instantly translates into spending less time engaging in a habit you’ve been trying to give up! Filling your life with only those things that take you forward, and not backward, is a far easier way to “let go” of unhealthy habits. Focus on the new, and not the old!
Finally, “let go” of wanting something (or someone) to the extent that you are trying to control every situation. Control (in behavioural contexts), is actually fear in disguise; fear of what will happen if you don’t get what you want, OR fear of the wonders that might happen if you do! So letting go, and allowing life to flow and for things to take their natural course simply allows you to lose that sense of fear! Take the attitude that “what will be will be”, and “I trust that I have the strength to do anything I want, and everything will work out for me, and everyone involved”.
Letting go of anything “old” and worn out if your life creates a necessary “new” space, and allows you to focus on the new habits that will propel you to where you want to be – AND what a great time to begin thinking about it NOW, in perfect timing for 2009!
So ask yourself today, “What do I need to let go of”?
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