Dr Kelly Fleming

Letting go is often one of the most difficult tasks we are faced with.

It covers almost every aspect of our life.

Let me start with the topic of grief. Too often, well meaning people encourage us to let go of our grief and move on. Grief comes in waves. It is something each person must deal with in their own way, in their own time. Grief is not just about losing someone who has passed on. This is a misconception many of us have assumed. Grief includes any type of loss. Each affects us deeply. We must allow ourselves to grieve the losses in our lives. We must understand that even when we think it has passed, it will emerge again. This is not a bad thing. It is a process of our heart, mind and soul of letting go and moving forward.

Letting go also applies to both large and small things in our lives. When we are hurt by someone intentionally or unintentionally, it affects us. How much we allow ourselves to be affected cannot be measured as each person and situation is different.

Understanding that letting go of hurt also involves forgiveness. Sometimes others will realize they’ve hurt us and will ask us to forgive them. It is important to say “I forgive you”. It is the first step in letting go. That doesn’t  mean the pain will magically disappear. It means that we are giving ourselves permission to move forward. If we don’t wish ill will against that person, it is a sign that forgiveness in our heart, mind and soul and we are  in the process of letting go and moving forward.

If someone has hurt us but does not acknowledge it, it is important to bring it to their attention.

They may not ask for forgiveness because they don’t see their words or actions as hurtful. Still, we must, for our own well-being go through the same process as I explained above.

Likewise for ourselves, the moment we realize we have hurt or may have hurt someone, we need to acknowledge that to the person and ask their forgiveness.

One of the most difficult things we will face in life is forgiving ourselves. Harbouring pain can disrupt our spiritual life and also manifest itself in physical body pain, fatigue and depression.

Life is filled with events and experiences that we must allow ourselves to let go of.

Letting go is the key to moving forward in our lives. To become better people. To become better parents, friends and colleagues.

Take a little time each day to reflect on the situations in your life where you need to let go of something. Don’t dwell on it but acknowledge it. Think of ways to acknowledge it to others if that is the situation, and start the process of letting go.

I promise you, the weight on your shoulders will be lifted. You will find peace and you will be able to change those negative feelings into love and joy.

Some things may take a lifetime and that’s ok. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Don’t let it become the centre of your thoughts.

Let go of what you can, no matter how small a detail it may be and you will find a greater amount of peace in your life.

❤️🤟🏼