Let it go, Let it be

Happy Friday! My week has been busy; I went to the office for the first time in a while. It was interesting to get dressed in business attire and navigate through traffic. However, I was very grateful for the small things during my travels, from simply having a vehicle to drive to my health.

During this week, I had various conversations with individuals from all walks of life. The common theme was conversations about the past; I, personally, attempt to use the past as a reference but not dwell in it, including the good, bad, and ugly experiences. To move forward fully with the future, you have to let go of some people, experiences, expectations, and mindsets. Holding on to the past will only serve to impair your future. If something no longer serves you, let it go.

A great colleague of mine once told me, "No one is the flavor of the month forever." When we experience people or things that are not pleasant, for example, time seems to stand still, but knowing that there is a means to the end is refreshing. A while ago, I remember telling my mother about someone who always seemed to have a chip on their shoulder, never smiled, and just were not a warm person. I was frustrated, and I looked inward for ways that I could change them. Attempting to change someone is NOT highly recommended, by the way. You cannot change people. You can guide them and teach them, but it will ALWAYS be their choice to change.

Other people's lives, experiences, and burdens are not yours to bear. But what you can do is change your viewpoint. You can change your expectations. You can choose not to assimilate negativity or things that go against your core values. You can change yourself if you want to, but you do not have to either. Often, we create unrealistic expectations for people. But the truth of the matter is that everyone is a product of their environment, and until they decide to change, they will be who they chose to be.

To be happy and maintain your sanity, let go of molding people into what you want them to be. The core of diversity includes varying experiences, personalities, and more. This world is not monolithic; we should all strive to bring our whole selves to any environment. Keep in mind that not everyone will like you or respect you; that is usually a reflection of themselves and not you. Let go of feelings of disappointment, rejection, or fear. As long as you do the best you can with the tools and resources you have acquired, grant yourself grace and let go!

Here are four benefits to letting go of things or people you cannot change:

1.?????You get lighter - carrying emotional baggage is heavy, and letting go can make space in your mind, body, and soul.

2.?????Your hands and your heart are free - to receive new things and experiences that are beneficial and enjoyable, your hands and heart must be open.

3.?????Your stress levels go down - stress is inevitable, BUT we all know that bad stress, especially over the long haul, can harm you physically and mentally.

4.?????You will be happier - what is life worth if it's not full of joy!

Close your eyes, clear your heart and let it go!

In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of something that isn't yours to carry. So, when you have the opportunity, laugh when you can, brighten a room with your energy, and smile. Apologize when you should and let go of what you cannot change.

In the words of the Beatles, Let it be and Demi Lovato's words, Let it go.

Have a relaxing weekend. Cheers! #fridaythoughts #chosepeace #shinebright #letitgo #letitbe