On Letting Go
Life has this way of constantly moving, changing, and evolving, whether we’re ready for it or not. And sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the change itself but letting go of what no longer serves us. For many of us, especially in that sweet spot between 25 and 45, this is a time of self-discovery, big decisions, and maybe even a little soul-searching. Letting go of what no longer aligns with our values and aspirations is an invitation to step into something new, something better suited to who we’re becoming.
Let’s look at some of the things we might be holding onto a little too tightly and what it might look like to release them.
Friendships We Have Outgrown
Friendships play an essential role in our lives, but as we evolve, so do our needs and boundaries. It’s natural to outgrow certain friendships, especially if they become more draining than fulfilling. Holding onto relationships that no longer support our well-being can keep us stuck in the past.
How to let go: Reflect on the value and impact of your friendships. Have an honest conversation with yourself about whether these connections uplift you or hold you back. If it's the latter, it might be time to gently distance yourself or reframe the relationship. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your emotional health.
Dysfunctional Relationships That Hurt
It’s never easy to admit when a relationship—whether it’s romantic, family, or otherwise—is no longer healthy. Maybe it’s filled with constant drama, or maybe it has become more toxic than supportive. We stay because we remember the good times, because we feel obligated, or simply because we’re afraid of what life looks like on the other side. The fear of being alone, guilt, or the hope that things will change can make it challenging to walk away.
How to let go: Acknowledge the emotional impact the relationship has on you. Seek support from a trusted friend, counselor, or therapist to gain perspective and strength. Give yourself permission to choose peace over pain. Set healthy boundaries. It may mean seeking support or taking the brave step of walking away. You deserve relationships that feel like safe places, not battlefields. Healing often begins when you choose yourself over dysfunction.
Comfort Zones Keep Us Stuck
Oh, comfort zones—they’re so cozy, aren’t they? That steady job you don’t love but it pays the bills, or that routine that feels safe but a little stale. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying stability, but sometimes we get so comfortable that we stop dreaming. We stop growing. Staying in a role or situation that no longer inspires you might seem easier than facing the uncertainty of change, but it can also hinder you from reaching your full potential.
How to let go: Assess what you're truly passionate about and explore opportunities that align with your long-term goals. Create a plan for transitioning out of your current comfort zone. This might involve taking a course, networking, or seeking mentorship. Stepping into new experiences, even if they feel uncomfortable at first, can lead to greater fulfillment and personal growth.
Self-Limiting Beliefs We Tell Ourselves
Our inner dialogue shapes our reality. Self-limiting beliefs—like feeling unworthy, inadequate, or fearful of failure—can hold us back from pursuing our dreams and embracing our true selves. These beliefs often stem from past experiences, societal expectations, or negative conditioning.
How to let go: Begin by noticing these thoughts without judgment. Where did they come from? Do they really hold up under scrutiny? Then, challenge them. Replace them with kinder, more empowering thoughts. It might feel strange at first, but keep at it. You’re rewriting the story you tell yourself about yourself.
Emotional Baggage We Don’t Have to Carry
Past hurts, grudges, and unresolved emotions can weigh heavily on our souls. Holding on to emotional baggage prevents us from fully experiencing joy and peace in the present. The truth is, we don’t have to keep carrying it. The process of letting go can be daunting but is essential for emotional freedom.
How to let go: This one takes time and compassion. Allow yourself to feel what you need to feel. Journal, talk to someone you trust. And when you’re ready, visualize yourself setting down that suitcase. Imagine the lightness, the freedom. You deserve to move forward unburdened. Practices like forgiveness (both for yourself and others) and seeking therapeutic support can help you release these burdens. Remember, letting go doesn’t mean forgetting—it means choosing peace over pain.
Making Space for The New
Letting go is less about losing something and more about gaining space—space for new experiences, new relationships, and new ways of being that align with your current self. It’s a process, not a one-time event, and it’s okay to take it step by step. It’s a courageous act of self-love that allows you to shift into a life that resonates with who you are now, not who you used to be.
If you’re finding it challenging to let go, remember you don’t have to do it alone. Sunrise is here to support you on your journey. Reach out to us today to take the first step toward a more fulfilling and balanced life. Remember, you’re not alone on this path. We’re all figuring it out, one step at a time.
You’ve got this.
