The Season of Letting Go

While doing some introspection and examining my life, I realized that I was emotionally exhausted, weighed down, and constantly ruminating on things I could not change. I was unable to operate to my full potential. I have often found myself overextended at times to my detriment. I also realized that the reciprocation of my efforts mattered to me. In all my realizations, I discovered that I was holding on to things that I had no business carrying. I’ve often asked God, “How can I not care so much?”  Recently, I've felt lighter and less bothered, letting things roll off my back. This could be an answer to prayer or simply reaching a point of exhaustion.

person letting go

In my new season, I am releasing my expectations of others; it's exhausting when they don't meet my standards. I am also letting go of other people’s opinions or narratives of who they believe I am. I spent so much of my life trying to prove them wrong, and I am tired of fighting their opinions and narratives. To be honest, they can believe whatever they want. I’m letting go of expecting change in people recognizing that they may not change, and their actions have caused me harm. I am letting go of my hope that my children will just get it, understanding that they may not understand immediately, and that timing is beyond my control. I am letting go of the resentment towards those who hurt or offended me because it only hurts me and blocks my blessings. I am letting go of the past because as time goes on, the past is just that, the past. I am letting go of dreams that are no longer attainable because I need to live in the reality of my capacity. I am letting go of control over the outcome, because again “I know, I am not God.” I am letting go of relationships and things that no longer serve me, and I what value. Do they even add to my life? I am relinquishing the "If only…" mindset; man plans, God disposes.  I am letting go of caring so much because honey, you are losing sleep and them folks are going to still do what they want. I am letting go of the idea that I can stay up passed 10 pm, because what am I proving? I am letting go of playing the “peacemaker” because who even asked me? I am no one’s personal Jesus.

woman shaking head no

By letting go, I accept reality.  I acknowledge that I am aging and no longer have the desire or capacity to retain those things that are not for my best.  I listen to my body and its needs. When it tells me to rest, that’s what I do. I rest.  I acknowledge my accomplishments and know everything will still be there tomorrow, even if I let things go overnight.  Letting go means acknowledging that I have given so much to others, and it’s time to rest and be selfish; and that it's ok. In this season, I am embracing peace and inner joy; while maintaining relationships that promote growth and pour into me.  I appreciate the unknown, because evidence has shown that when life throws me curve balls, I’ve adapted, shifted, and pivoted so beautifully.

I am embracing the simplicity of the present moment and choosing to find joy in the small, mundane miracles that surround me daily. This journey of releasing has taught me that true peace is not found in holding onto outcomes or people, but in accepting the flow of life with open hands.