The Power of Letting Go
“We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ~ Joseph Campbell
Hello and Happy New Year!
As we wind down on this evening of January 1, I want to share a gentle reminder that letting go is one of the greatest gifts we can offer ourselves. It’s an act of self-compassion and growth—a brave decision to release the thoughts, stories, and fears that no longer support us. When we cling to painful memories or old anxieties, we stay stuck in the past. But by allowing ourselves to fully experience our emotions and acknowledge the uncertainty that comes with change, we open the door to true healing and fresh opportunities.
If you find yourself struggling to let go, try doing the opposite: gently close your eyes and imagine holding on even tighter to whatever is weighing you down. Pay close attention to the physical and/or emotional tension this creates. Then, bit by bit, loosen your grip and notice what changes in your body and mind. This mindful contrast can help reveal how holding on so tightly impacts you—and the relief that can come from finally releasing.
Letting go isn’t about forgetting or giving up. Rather, it’s about recognizing where we’re holding on too tightly—perhaps it’s an urge to control everything, or the weight of shame and self-criticism, or simply outdated narratives we’ve outgrown. By laying these burdens down, we create space for deeper self-awareness and more genuine connections with those around us.
So, on this very first night of the new year, I invite you to reflect on what you’re ready to release. When we let go of what no longer serves us, we discover a renewed sense of freedom—one that aligns us more closely with who we truly are and allows our hearts to feel lighter. May this next chapter bring you the healing, hope, and expansive possibility that comes from setting yourself free.
Here’s to a year of releasing, growing, and thriving in ways that feel meaningful to you!
What Does “Thriving” Mean?
Thriving is about living with intention, joy, and resilience—even through life’s ups and downs. It involves embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, nurturing both your mind and body, and finding daily moments of wonder and gratitude. It’s about living fully and embracing the good things life has to offer. Rather than chasing perfection, thriving means showing up for yourself with compassion and authenticity, trusting that each small step brings you closer to your true Self, and a more fulfilled, balanced life.
Recommended Guided Meditations
1. I wanted to share a link below to a resource: a guided meditation by Tara Brach called “Letting Go, Letting Be.” If you’d like to explore this further, simply click here and follow along. It offers a gentle, guided compassionate approach to letting go / letting be, releasing tension and making space for greater peace within.
2. My Equanimity Meditation
I’m also including a link to my own guided meditation (through Spotify but can be found on Apple podcasts too) on Equanimity. Equanimity practice helps us maintain balance and clarity, even when emotions run high. By learning to observe our thoughts and feelings without pushing them away or clinging to them, we create conditions for letting go. With this steady presence, it becomes easier to release what no longer serves us and move forward with greater ease and self-compassion.
Hello and Happy New Year!
As we wind down on this evening of January 1, I want to share a gentle reminder that letting go is one of the greatest gifts we can offer ourselves. It’s an act of self-compassion and growth—a brave decision to release the thoughts, stories, and fears that no longer support us. When we cling to painful memories or old anxieties, we stay stuck in the past. But by allowing ourselves to fully experience our emotions and acknowledge the uncertainty that comes with change, we open the door to true healing and fresh opportunities.
If you find yourself struggling to let go, try doing the opposite: gently close your eyes and imagine holding on even tighter to whatever is weighing you down. Pay close attention to the physical and/or emotional tension this creates. Then, bit by bit, loosen your grip and notice what changes in your body and mind. This mindful contrast can help reveal how holding on so tightly impacts you—and the relief that can come from finally releasing.
Letting go isn’t about forgetting or giving up. Rather, it’s about recognizing where we’re holding on too tightly—perhaps it’s an urge to control everything, or the weight of shame and self-criticism, or simply outdated narratives we’ve outgrown. By laying these burdens down, we create space for deeper self-awareness and more genuine connections with those around us.
So, on this very first night of the new year, I invite you to reflect on what you’re ready to release. When we let go of what no longer serves us, we discover a renewed sense of freedom—one that aligns us more closely with who we truly are and allows our hearts to feel lighter. May this next chapter bring you the healing, hope, and expansive possibility that comes from setting yourself free.
Here’s to a year of releasing, growing, and thriving in ways that feel meaningful to you!
What Does “Thriving” Mean?
Thriving is about living with intention, joy, and resilience—even through life’s ups and downs. It involves embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, nurturing both your mind and body, and finding daily moments of wonder and gratitude. It’s about living fully and embracing the good things life has to offer. Rather than chasing perfection, thriving means showing up for yourself with compassion and authenticity, trusting that each small step brings you closer to your true Self, and a more fulfilled, balanced life.
Recommended Guided Meditations
1. I wanted to share a link below to a resource: a guided meditation by Tara Brach called “Letting Go, Letting Be.” If you’d like to explore this further, simply click here and follow along. It offers a gentle, guided compassionate approach to letting go / letting be, releasing tension and making space for greater peace within.
2. My Equanimity Meditation
I’m also including a link to my own guided meditation (through Spotify but can be found on Apple podcasts too) on Equanimity. Equanimity practice helps us maintain balance and clarity, even when emotions run high. By learning to observe our thoughts and feelings without pushing them away or clinging to them, we create conditions for letting go. With this steady presence, it becomes easier to release what no longer serves us and move forward with greater ease and self-compassion.