How to Let Go of Something That No Longer Serves You

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Discovering what no longer serves you can liberate you and allow better things to enter your life. After you have determined what no longer serves you, you have two choices. You can learn to live with them, or let them go completely.

Sometimes, certain things no longer give us meaning or joy, but can provide us with other benefits. You might find that you have outgrown your job, for example, but need the income it provides. It is common to tie a job to our identity. So, if a job is no longer giving you meaning, but you need to keep it while taking steps to change your career, that’s ok! You can simply lessen its importance in your life, un-bind it from your identity, and eventually, you’ll be able to let it go.

Some things, however, should be let go as soon as you know that they aren’t serving the life you want to be leading. But how?

1. Accept the situation.

It can be hard to accept the fact that something no longer resonates with your life. You may be very attached to it, especially if it is your career, a romantic relationship, or a belief. Nostalgia may creep in, which may make you want to hold on tighter. Accept that you know that letting it go is right for you.

2. Honor it.

Whatever it is that you are letting go, it was probably once a big part of your life. Take some time to acknowledge what it gave you. Be grateful for the experiences and the lessons you learned. It helped shape the person you are today.

3. Allow yourself to grieve.

It can be sad to release parts of our lives. It’s okay to feel upset about this. It is a type of loss. It can even feel like someone has died. Allow yourself as much time to grieve it as possible. Cry, if you must, or express anger in a safe way. Bottling up these emotions will only lead to resentment. Find a way to hold space for your grief and find the closure you need to move on.

4. Forgive yourself – and others.

In the process of letting something or someone go, you may feel shame or guilt. Perhaps something at work didn’t go your way, or you feel that you didn’t try hard enough in a relationship. It’s ok. You did the best you could at the time. Other people may have hurt you, especially if you are releasing a relationship or friendship. Forgive them, too. This doesn’t excuse their actions. It simply liberates you from any attachment to their actions and allows you to move on, without holding a grudge.

5. Trust that wonderful things will come!

Letting go leaves a void behind. It can be hard to trust that there is more to come in our lives. Be patient. Whenever we leave things behind that no longer serve us, it leaves space for new, beneficial things to take their place!

How do you let go and move on? Do you have any other tips for those who are struggling with this?