"Let Go or Be Dragged"
“Let Go or Be Dragged!”
Admittedly this isn’t the most poetic affirmation. It might not inspire the same sort of warm fuzzies that an Instagram feed full of “You are Enough” memes might. But that’s the point! The point of a blunt, honest phrase like this Zen Proverb is to break complacency, destroy denial and incite awakening.
It’s undoubtedly human to hang on to things. We’ve all been there, and trust me, there is no shame in that game. It can take time to process our experiences. There is a healthy reflection period after any break-up, loss or difficulty in life. Making peace, on your own terms and timeline, is the only way to heal mind, body and spirit.
So experience the sadness. Feel the rage. Grapple with what could have been. And then learn to let it go in a way that allows you to move forward in a positive, meaningful way.
But it’s not always that easy; letting go is challenging. It’s not uncommon to get caught up in the safety of what you know - even if what you know means living in the hurt that stagnates your journey. Sometimes the complacency of what feels familiar, no matter how painful, can even start to feel kind of satisfying. But it’s not satisfying - it’s captivity.
During a recent conversation with Sicily Bennett, Pryority’s own Integrative Wellness Coach, we discussed the challenges and the importance of freeing yourself from the past. We came to the conclusion that letting-go is actually where the fun begins! Reconnecting with yourself and looking toward the joy of the future is exciting.
Sicily has shared five tips to help you on your new path:
Make the decision to prioritize yourself and solidify the decision in your brain by repeating to yourself: “I am ready to live the life I deserve, I'm letting go of the past that does not serve me.” Do this every day when you wake up and before bed.
Get outside each day and relish in nature. Go for a walk in the nature preserve or your local park. While you are outside focus on the beauty around you. Be present and breathe in the air and feel the sun on your face. Give your mind a break by paying attention to your senses.
Become reacquainted with yourself. Be still and listen to what your heart and mind are saying in the quiet moments. If you find yourself having a negative thought, simply observe it and take a breath to release it out of you. Then give yourself a compliment.
Recognize that you have been part of a unit and some of your dreams, desires, wants and needs have been on the back burner. It's time to move them to the front and reignite them. Spend time getting to know yourself again. Make a list of the things you've missed doing.
Take action on your list. If you've written down that you love to paint, begin to research painting classes in your community. If you like to run, join a running club.
Undoubtedly, there are some life experiences that will change you forever, both your day-to-day and your long-term. However, the goal is not to allow the difficult feelings to drag you back to the past, but rather help project you forward as a stronger, more experienced person.
Moving forward together,
Julie