Knowing what to hold on to or let go of

Picture of colorful hot air balloons My friend Amit who blogs at The Power of Choice, recently wrote a post about his “holding onto” a negative situation from work even though it had been resolved. I’m confident that like Amit, all of us sometimes rehash or stay stuck with unpleasant memories even though we don’t have to.

Below are my off-the-top-of-my-head/heart thoughts on things to keep and things to release from our lives.

Hold onto these things in your life

Love – whether real or imagined, loving thoughts and feelings are good for you
Beliefs that serve you — if a belief gives you more confidence, hope, faith, or courage, that’s got to be positive
Nurturing memories — perhaps because we all have down times in life, having a storehouse of happy, joyful, or pleasant memories can be beneficial (and fun to remember)
Childlike wonder — though we get sensible as adults, retaining our ability to be captivated, enchanted, mesmerized, and awe-struck is good for the soul
Uplifting relationships — people and animals who love us unconditionally and whom we love with all our hearts are irreplaceable, so care for them well

“May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human enough hope to make you happy.”

~ Anonymous

Release these things from your life

Judgment – whether your criticism is for yourself or others, judgment is a separating, soul-stifling act
Resentment – this emotion only keeps pain fresh and wounds you over and over again
Guilt – would’ve, could’ve, should’ve can’t turn back time, so make amends when appropriate and forgive yourself (you’re human, remember)
Fear – though we’re all bound to feel frightened from time to time, build up your muscles of trust and let go of as much fear as you possibly can
Unworthiness – my experience as a human and coach is that most of us somewhere believe that we are unworthy of love or that we must do something and avoid other things in order to receive love; NOT TRUE. You, me, and everyone else is worthy of love just because that’s the way it is.

If you have other items to add to my lists, drop them in the comments area. May you have a day filled with carrying only those things which uplift you and enliven your soul.

“Even though you may want to move forward in your life, you may have one foot on the brakes. In order to be free, we must learn how to let go. Release the hurt. Release the fear. Refuse to entertain your old pain. The energy it takes to hang onto the past is holding you back from a new life. What is it you would let go of today?”

~ Mary Manin Morrissey

Filed under: Mindfulness, Self-empowerment, Tools for inspiration by Shonnie on May 30, 2007 |

6 Comments »

Thankfully, I’ve let that one go now! Thank you for the great post and the awesome tips!

Comment by Amit — May 30, 2007 @ 5:33 pm
My pleasure, friend. Thanks for providing the initial spark for me!

Comment by Shonnie — June 2, 2007 @ 3:51 pm
Shonnie,

I really enjoyed your post and tips. I would add that being able to laugh at oneself can help immediately to not only get to that “feel good” place, but to release limiting thoughts and beliefs. I personally like to ask a Seinfeld-type question of myself to minimize some perceived hurt, like “What’s up with…???” Or as Elaine would say “Alright, we’re done here.”

Hugs,
Barbara

Comment by Barbara — June 12, 2007 @ 5:49 pm
Humor and laughter — absolute keepers Barbara. Mirth is something that we had aplenty as children yet often lose along the way. Time to get it back!

Comment by Shonnie — June 20, 2007 @ 3:14 pm
Nice post Shonnie, thanks for sharing this.

Comment by rob — July 6, 2007 @ 8:59 am
Thanks for dropping by Rob and for taking the time to leave a compliment.

Comment by Shonnie — July 6, 2007 @ 9:39 am