Letting Go: How to Make Room for Change in Your Life

This is the time of year when lots of people are talking about making changes and moving forward. Those are both great ideas, but sometimes we need to actively make room in our lives for change. One way to do this is to let go.

What Should You Let Go Of?

How about some of the following:

• Relationships that are toxic
• Jobs that are going nowhere – and taking us with them
• Old, unhealthy habits
• Anger, resentment and grudges
• Disorganization and poor use of resources

If we have any of the above in our lives, it can be really tough to move forward. When we try to do that, it's as if we're dragging large, heavy rock-filled suitcases behind us. They slow us down, trip us, and generally make progress difficult if not impossible.

3 Guidelines for Letting Go

1. Figure out what you need to let go of. This sounds simple but can actually be the hardest step. Give it a few days, think about it, and jot things down as they occur to you.
2. Think baby steps. It can be very tempting to dive right in and try to change everything all at once. That's usually a recipe for disaster. Let go of 1 or 2 things, adjust, then let go of more.
3. Be aware that emotional baggage hurts you more than anyone else. Letting go of hurt, anger and hatred is one of the most freeing things you'll ever do. Realize, though, that it's a process — one you'll likely need to repeat regularly.

Letting go of things that have defined you for a while can feel overwhelming, but it's not impossible. Give it a shot — start clearing things out of your life and see how much better you feel. I can't think of a better way to start a new chapter!