Some people believe that holding on to things that make life tough is a sign of strength. However, I think it is much more heroic to free yourself of the things that hurt you and to let go of whatever is bringing you down.
The art of letting go is a lot harder than it sounds—or at least people make it that way. The art of letting go is an invitation to rid of harmful attachments to people, ideas, irritations, etc. To let go means to finally stop the struggle that has for so long brought you down. Walking away from things that no longer have a positive impact on your life is brave. It does not mean you have given up or that you are not strong enough to handle it. It simply means you are strong enough to move on.
People
This may be the hardest thing to let go of. I think this is because people always strive to get back to the way it was. People hold onto friends and significant others who no longer are lifting them up solely because they used to. We need to accept that people change, and not always for the better. If somebody is dragging you down with their own struggles, you need to let go. I know how hard the thought of cutting someone out of your life can be. But I promise, the moment you decide to let go is the moment you will feel a huge weight lifted off of your shoulders. Letting go of people who are hurting you means gaining new people who will lift you higher.
Thoughts
Thoughts become things. Repeat that five times. It is so important to know that whatever you think will ultimately become your life. Let go of the negative thoughts that swell your head. The more you think harmful thoughts, the more harmful your life and everything around you will become. It is OK to fill your mind will positive, hopeful thoughts, even when you're going through a hard time. Just because today isn't great, doesn't mean life won't be.
Expectations
Let go of the expectations people have for you as well as the expectations you have for others. Let's face it, we will never be exactly what others expect us to be. And that's OK. Let go of what every one else wants from you. Focus on what you want from yourself. Pleasing others is not what is going to fulfill your life. Proving to yourself that you are good enough will. Similarly, people are never going to be what we expect them to be either, and that's OK, too. Let go of the expectation that people will treat you the way you treat them. Let go of the expectation that people have the same heart as you have.
Grudges
This is probably the worst thing thing you can hold on to. It will make you angry and resentful. Let go of any anger or frustration you have towards another person. It is not weighing yourself down. Letting go of somebody's wrongdoing towards you is not a sign of weakness or a sign that you let people walk all over you. Letting go of a grudge means to put the past where it belongs...in the past. You will feel free of hate and will ultimately avoid a lot of damage. Forgiveness is a process, but it's a process that is well worth it.
