On Letting Go
“Life moves on and so should we.” - Spencer Johnson
2020 has been a year full of hurt and pain. There is no other way to say what the year has turned out to be. Even with many accomplishments and achievements, the loss and pain loom large. When you see an entire globe suffering from something that cannot be seen and could not be predicted, it is hard not to focus on it. The practice at the end of every year is to reset and begin anew for the next, but how do you do that after a year like 2020?
Starting fresh in 2021 can only occur by letting go of 2020. Sounds simple, right? Far from it. Many hold on to the hurt and pain and drag with them from year to year, like some sort of souvenir. Holding on to pain and hurt doesn’t fix anything. Dwelling on the past and replaying it over and over again doesn’t change what happened and it doesn’t help you heal. Wishing things were different doesn’t change what occurred. Since the past cannot be changed, all that can be done is to accept it, if you want things to change.
Holding on to the past, whether it is hurt or not, does not allow you to create a strong sense of self, one that is not defined by your past but by who you desire to be. Pain can be comfortable to some. when all you know is pain. Many hold on to it because moving past it is scary and unknown. Dwelling in the past pain also allows for some to be a victim and gain attention in an unhealthy manner. No matter how you try to slice it, holding on to pain or your past hurts holds no benefit. Hold on to the memories instead.
There are so many ways that letting go benefits you but a favorite of mine is that letting go frees you from self-imposed chains. You have the key to the lock and when you choose to let go, you open yourself up to believe that anything is possible, because you survived. Doubt becomes quieter and the possibilities become louder. You are now open to unlimited potential for the future and yourself.
So my wish for all in 2021, let go of 2020, and any other hurts from the past that you have been dragging with you. Embrace the lessons that were learned by the experiences and unlock the unlimited potential that lives inside of you.
