Time for Letting Go!
You are just 5 Steps from letting go of what isn’t working for you, 5 steps to letting in joy and contentment.
But, sometimes letting go can feel scary. Not knowing the outcome of letting go of a person, a job, or a lifestyle keeps you stuck in unhealthy relationships with others and with yourself.
But, by letting go of what isn’t working for you, you are making room to let in more of what will make your life happier and more meaningful.
And there has never been a better time than right now. Think of something that you are holding onto, something that is blocking the way for you to be truly happy. Want to let it go? Want to make room in your life for greater joy and satisfaction?
Ready? If you have continued to read this then the answer is ‘absolutely you are ready’.
Step 1: Identify and be compassionately curious about the culprit. This is important – if you start judging yourself, then take a deep breath and find a way to be curious about the situation as if you were witnessing it in another person’s life. Clearly identify what is holding your joy hostage? Be as specific as possible. For example, is a poor financial situation bringing you down, causing you constant worry? What in your life are you holding onto that is keeping you financially strapped? A job that doesn’t pay you well but you’ve stayed at for years and it feels safe? Overspending on stuff that isn’t bringing you happiness in the long run? Purchasing gifts for others to buy their affection? Engaging in a habit that is costing you financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually?
Step 2: Clearly intend to let it go. Understand why it is time to let it go. Write out a statement about your intention to let this situation or person go. Continuing with the above financial burden, you might write out a statement such as “I am moving towards greater financial security.” Keep the statement in the present tense (‘am moving’). How does it feel in your body to move towards greater security? Pay attention to that feeling – that feeling is what you are after.
Step 3: Keep you attention on the feeling, as well as the intention. Surround yourself with images and affirmation that bring you that feeling. Post images that inspire financial (or relationship, or health, or career…) success. Take action steps to keep your attention there: again continuing with the financial example it might be that you put a specific amount of money in an envelop each day, week, or month (it can be as little as one dollar, or as much as you can manage without adding to the stress). Take small action steps to keep your focused intention on the joyful feeling of moving towards your intention. Consider signing up for free, beautiful reminders on keeping your attention on your intention. Go to https://possibilitydetectives.com//clues-letter-signup/ .
Step 4: Appreciate what you already have in your life. This can be challenging for some, but we know that being grateful brings more to be grateful for. Letting go of the sense of hopelessness and despair can start with letting in gratitude. It can be as simple as being grateful that you found these steps, or that the sun in out, or that you are in position to take charge of your life, or that you slept well, or that you found some change in a coat pocket, or that a stranger smiled at you on your way to work and that made you feel more connected and alive.
Step 5: Get support for moving on in your life, for letting go. Find a ‘letting go’ buddy – someone you totally trust to align with your intention. Someone who is also ready to let in more joy. If no one comes to mind, simply let go of people in your life that don’t support you. Open yourself up to the possibility that it’s time to let in only people who are positive and moving forward in their own lives.
Jan facilitates national workshops for therapists and life coaches. She presents at conferences on topics related to holistic psychology and living your dreams.