All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.
-Havelock Ellis
Have you ever seen trapeze artists perform? They move from one bar to another. In that process, they gain momentum using one bar, which they let go to move to the next one. Similarly, there comes the point in everyone’s life where we have to make a decision and let go. This could be just anything from your past: your resentment for someone or the expectations you could not meet. You should know that you can not move forward if you do not let go of the bar you are holding.
Letting go does not mean that you are quitting; it does not mean giving up; it does not mean that you don’t have a clue about things. In fact, it doesn’t even mean that you are inconsistent or unstable. All it means is that you need first to let go of things to be free and experience new things in life. That is holding you back.
What makes it so hard?
Most of us have experienced heartbreak or have been in situations where we do not control what is happening. However, moving on from such things or putting it in bad is not very tough. Although the following things make it difficult for you to move on:-
Your subconscious mind
Your subconscious mind will always make things harder, as it holds all your activities, emotions, etc. in your mind. All the things you have in your mind, you either have control over it or do not. If it’s in your control, you will be able to manage it, but if it is not in your control, your subconscious mind will give you a tough time to pass on from it. Your mind will always remind you about the things which are uncontrollable for you. You will keep on wasting your energy and time while thinking about those things.
Fear
Fear of losing something you are dependent on, and therefore you try to hold those things as long as you can. Fear makes things harder to let go. You make holding your habit and keep on holding things without even realizing it is worthful or not.
Self-identity
Self-identity represents the things you have, like your family, house, and workplace. It also includes your mindset, views, and knowledge. Everyone has their own different behaviors. Some of us have the nature of holding things or have dramatic nature. These emotions and behavior can also be part of your identity. These emotions will never let you go of things.
4 Benefits of learning to let go
1. Self-confidence
Once you let go of being judged, which you are afraid of, you will automatically start feeling confident. It’s all about what you feel, who you are, and your beliefs. Not even your looks, possessions, and pride will boost your confidence.
2. Freedom
You will surely feel free after you let go of things. You must often hang on to things that are no more helping you. For instance, you start to work at a place, but after some time, you stop feeling comfortable, and that work does not seem as beneficial as it was at the time of joining. You should not waste your energy there, let go of things, and be free. Maybe it’s about your relationship. At some point in time, you benefited from it, but often when people grow, they grow apart. Try to let go of things where or with whom you are not feeling confident.
3. Mental as well as physical health
There are many significant psychological benefits of letting go. When you let go of things, your stress and worries fade away. Focus on the present moment, which helps you to be more effective and efficient. Everything over time will affect your physical and mental health. Letting go is the key to have a stress free and physically, mentally, emotionally healthy life.
4. Continue personal growth
In this fast running life, change is the new way to live perfectly. You will always be stuck in the past if you do not change from time to time. If we hold on to something, we won’t be able to grow. If you start to let go of things that are not in your control, you automatically will start pursuing things that are healthier for you.
