As much as we try to deny it,  we all have those stories about our life that we tell over and over again. (I know I do!)  A lot of the time, those stories are of pain and heartache; they can feel so heavy sometimes.  We’re hoping that talking about it over and over will change the outcome, or things will just feel different the more we tell them.  It’s the wishful thinking that some magical solution will appear when we aren’t looking.

Telling the stories over and over doesn’t make them go away; in fact it does quite the opposite.  This type of thinking holds us back.  It delays our happiness; it reinforces the struggle and keeps those feelings alive and thriving in our mind.  Thankfully, there is a solution to this emotional merry-go-round, and it’s not as hard as you think.

What is it time to let it go of?

Let go of the idea that you’re going to get it together.  We’re constantly changing beings.  Nothing stays the same, that’s the beauty of stretching limits and growing in life.  The sooner you accept that you’re always going to have to make adjustments in your life and it won’t be wrapped in a pretty bow, the happier you’ll be.

Let go of needing someone or something to fix you.   That house, car, partner or kid is not going to make you feel like the person you always thought you were.  Things don’t make you happy, experiences do.  Stop chasing satisfaction from the outside and find that rich inner life that you want to explore.

Let go of people or things you’ve outgrown.  It’s hard to let go of friends or objects that you’ve had forever but if they are not contributing to your growth and happiness, they are holding you back.  Have the courage to let them go so they can find someone else that they will thrill and excite.

Let go of being seduced by the struggle.  Don’t buy into the idea that everything takes hard work to happen.  It’s true, life is full of challenges, but sometimes the most beautiful things happen easily and effortlessly. Life can often be quite easy when you let it; don’t question that gift from the universe.

Let go of the hurt. “Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die” (Buddha) We’re all tender, vulnerable beings and we get hurt everyday in some way.  Letting go and letting lightness back in will make you a stronger, more compassionate person.

Take a deep breath.

Make some space for yourself by letting go.

The universe will reward your courage.