By Bronwyn Ison
Releasing something familiar can be stressful. Intimidated by the unknown? Relinquishing something or someone may be a daunting thought too. Yet, you know you will be extricated once you take the leap of faith to move forward. Whatever “it” may be it is time to evaluate your life and the circumstances that surrounds you.
Consider your need to “let go” of tangible items in your life or “unhealthy relationships.” Since these two are quite different it is a good idea to extinguish one thing at a time. Once you have decided whether or not you are going to clean your garage or eliminate toxic relationships grab a pen and piece of paper. Commence to write what comforts you and what is debilitating.
Let’s take for example you have a toxic friendship with someone. You have been friends for years but you are unsure how to move forward in your life without hurting his/her feelings. Candor will set you free even if it is a painful experience. Consider your relationship and what you have gained as well as given. Ask yourself a few questions. Is your relationship worth the work to maintain? If you met this person today would you have chosen to be friends with them now? Sometimes we hold onto friendships/relationships out of habit. Are you doing this with anyone you know? How do you feel about yourself when you are with this person? Do you like who you are when you spend time together? Can you rely on your friend? Do you share common interest with one another? To maintain a healthy friendship/relationship you should ask yourself these questions. Be sure to be honest with yourself.
Life poses many stresses on us daily. Living with clutter or engaging in unhealthy relationships can render you unproductive. Removing the unnecessary from your life does not suggest you don’t care. Recognize this as positive and personal growth in your life. You are being kind and loving to yourself by maintaining a healthy flow of energy. Reserve your energy for things and people who genuinely need you.
Hanging on may be a fear of letting go. Remain cognizant of your personal attitude and demeanor. Are you uptight, feel angry, depressed or sad? It may be because you need to remove the negativity. You are on your life’s journey and have acquired much along the way including relationships. Continually hanging onto to something will not allow you to move forward. If you continue to set goals and are finding difficulty achieving them consider your environment. Ponder these questions… Does hanging on to negative things/relationships serve any purpose? Do they help you move forward? Do they work in your favor in any way?
Releasing something or someone may be key to unlocking your goals and potential. Letting go can be transformative.
Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. 50-991 Washington Street, La Quinta.
(760)564-YOGA www.e-volveyoga.com
