Let Go: 20 Good Things to Let Go

Knowing when to let go is crucial to a healthy and happy life. Here are 3 questions to ask yourself that may reveal that it is time to let go and move forward.

If something is making you unhappy, a change may be in order. Signs that you are unhappy may include:

• you are isolating from friends and family
• you find yourself watching more television and getting out the house less
• you feel hopeless and/or disillusioned, as if you were fooled or tricked
• your performance at work has changed
• people are asking you if you are unhappy or depressed

Making a pros and cons chart and being completely honest with yourself can lead to you seeing your true feelings. If you find that the cons out weigh the pros, it may be time for you to make a decision. I remember that someone suggested this to me when I was debating leaving a relationship. I really did not want to leave but when I looked at my own words on paper, I knew what I had to do. I had to let go.

Even with a pros and cons list that seems heavy on the cons, looking at the value of the pros and the long term effects of letting go, may cause you to consider staying still a bit. For example, if you are wanting to let go of smoking cigarettes and you are a newly sober person full of fear and anxiety, you may want to wait. Though the cons of smoking are numerous, letting go at such a time may cause more harm.

If you are looking to chnage your life and move into a greater sense of contentment, here are 20 good things to get rid of as quickly as you are able.

1. Resentment

2. Desperation

3. Unhealthy relationships

4. Negative self-talk

5. Fear

6. Self-harming behavior

7. Gossiping/criticizing others

8. Manipulating

9. Guilt

10. Procrastination

11. Envy

12. The need to control

13. Looking for validation in others

14. Looking to your job, income or relationship to define you

15. Irresponsible spending habits

16. Any addictions

17. Poor self-care

18. Blaming others for your problems

19. Clutter

20. Unhealthy eating habits

This famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us that life is a process. Therefore, any change takes time. Be patient and kind to yourself and with time, practice and yes, lots of patience, you will be able to let go and move forward. If you find yourself clinging to anything, remember: you did not form these habits over night and you will not get rid of in that time either.