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I have been thinking quite a bit lately about letting go. The more I think about it, the more I realize we spend our lives letting go. We let go of things, ideas, dreams, people, jobs, hobbies, and so much more. Letting go really is a part of life.
As infants, toddlers, and children, as we learn how to take care of ourselves, we are, without realizing it, letting go of being totally dependent upon others for our basic needs.
As students, we let go of participating in certain sports, activities, organizations, and/or classes to make time for those that mean the most to us.
As adults, if we change jobs or professions, we let go of the old. If we marry, we let go of the single life. If we have children, we let go of lots of things to make time to parent. We let go of some interests and hobbies to make time for new or because they just aren’t important to us anymore.
We let go of people. Sometimes this is not something we want, but death forces it on us. Sometimes we need to let go of a relationship because it is not healthy for us. Sometimes we let go of people without really realizing it—the relationship just seems to fade away.
As we get older, we sometimes need to let go of dreams that just aren’t realistic anymore. Maybe it’s related to a lack of time, health, or money. Or maybe it’s just not that important anymore compared to other things or we just don’t enjoy it as much.
Letting go can be difficult. I understand that better now than ever before. I understand how difficult retirement can be for some people. Yes, it offers many new opportunities, but it also means letting go of many aspects of the previous life, and sometimes letting go of part of our self-image.
If you find letting go difficult, maybe this will help. We must let go of the old to embrace the new. And who knows how great the new might be, until we try it.
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