As we move closer to the end of 2017, it’s a wonderful time to become more reflective of what happened, ask ourselves what we desire in 2018 and determine what’s important to us and why. I recently did this exercise with my wonderful friend Basak.
For me, it’s been a year of ups and downs, and at the same time, I’ve learned so much about myself in the process like how to apply some additional coping mechanisms to decrease stress. How to surrender and let go has been BIG on my agenda. Letting go of who and what’s not right for me is a constant learning experience and I know I’m not alone.
One thing I am grateful for this year is how well our co-parenting scenario is going. Especially for the sake of my kids because we are all doing the best we can with what we’ve got in our new normal and that’s a huge relief for everyone.
The dating world is another story, I am still learning how to recognize red flags more, and let go of those clever wolves in sheep clothing. Dating has been both good and not so good but I refuse to let that drag me down and around.
Just like Richard Branson says; “If I cut you off, chances are you handed me the scissors.” It’s better to let someone walk away from you than all over you. Just let them go one way, and you go the other way.
I learned how to park my brain and engage my spirit by being grateful for everything I have both internally and externally. I crave inspiring things and people in my life. It’s what’s on the inside that matters most to me.
Let’s be honest, life is complex and our emotions even more so when you are being dragged. This can be painful like when you’re swinging on those monkey bars and hanging on so darn tight.
We can’t move forward if we are always looking backward. Sounds simple but it’s true. Try driving a car while always looking in your rearview mirror. I’ll make sure I’m off the road that day!
Stop trying to fit in and go where you belong. That’s where you can be your true self and feel comfortable with who you really are. Find your tribe, let go of bad vibes and people that drag you down. Lean into support instead.
I learned to stop hanging on for the sake of other people’s feelings. This is the most disrespectful thing you can do to yourself. There’s a saying; “There’s no need to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm.” So let go before you get burned.
Forgive yourself for making mistakes, you’re only human just like everyone else. This will bring you peace.
Above everything, love yourself with every cell in your human body by being self-compassionate.
As author Mark Nepo says “Maybe there’s a better life plan for you that you don’t know about. Hope for good, allow for even better.”
There will be times in your life when you don’t know why something is happening. Create your own closure if you can’t obtain it from the source. Instead of trying to find a happy ending, why not try and create a new beginning?
I learned it is physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally exhausting to hang onto something that is dragging you around, especially for so long. Listen to your body and intuition.
Picture this…
A guy is on the ground being dragged behind a horse and is hanging onto the reins for dear life. The horse goes about his business every day, eating, galloping, doing number one and two, but the guy will not let go despite knowing it doesn’t feel good, smell good, or look good, he’s just hangin’ on to hang on! The horse gallops and jumps in all kinds of weather and there’s that guy, still hangin’ on through the air, mud, and tall grass. From an outsiders point of view, what do you see here? What do you think of him as he gets dragged right in front of you? Are you screaming inside your head saying “OMG just let go!” This guy doesn’t realize he has a choice; to be courageous and do something about it. Excuses like being in “limbo” don’t cut it but making a decision certainly does.
Remember those scissors?
Life situations are very similar. We hang onto something dear to us that we can’t accept has already left and we end up being dragged. Or we let go but keep running back to the same problem in the first place, even though we know it’s not right for us. This destroys our self-respect, dignity, and self-worth. It’s poison to our brain and once we realize we are sick and tired of being dragged, only then can we finally let go.
If someone or something is running away from you, let go because that means it wasn’t meant for you anyway. It was there for a reason, but now it’s over, so time to move onto something much bigger and better.
Being dragged by someone or something blocks the Universe from letting the light and good enter our lives. However, once you let go, you create an open space that’s always been there but now the blockage is gone and something better can arrive in its place.
Back to the horse scenario, learn how to let go of the reins, get up, dust yourself off, and don’t get dragged anymore. Run your own race and stay in your own lane where you belong. I’m sure that horse is tired of dragging you around anyway!
From what I’ve learned, when you do let go, you attract what’s right for you in return.
So here’s to less drama in 2018 and continuing to learn more about how to let go of what’s not meant for us so we can choose the path to true happiness. Why? Because we’re so darn worth it!
Let go or be dragged. You always have a choice.
“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck” ~ Dalai Lama
Enjoy your holidays, much love and gratitude to you ❤
Jen
XO
PS: My book “Winning While Losing: The Upside of Heartbreak” is available at all online bookstores worldwide. Dare to live courageously…
Dare To Live Courageously... 