The Power of Letting Go: What Do You Need to Release?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been clearing out my garage—getting rid of boxes that have accumulated over the last ten years. Little did I know how emotional the process would be. Many of these boxes held documents and papers from one of the hardest periods of my life - my divorce in 2008.

It’s been 13 years since I made the decision to leave the father of my children, a decision that changed the course of our lives forever. To say it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made is an understatement. The weight of knowing this would impact my five beautiful children was overwhelming.

Taking them away from the home they loved and stepping into the unknown filled me with fear, guilt, and anxiety. At times, I wasn’t sure I would make it. There were moments when the daily juggling of parenting, work, court proceedings, and custody orders felt like too much to bear.

As I opened each box, I was confronted with letters, court filings, and documents I had long forgotten about. They triggered memories and emotions I wasn’t expecting. Memories of a time when I had to be strong, of children who witnessed more than they should, and of the trauma we endured as a family.

Letting myself feel those emotions has been a powerful reminder that no matter how much time passes, our bodies hold onto the emotions we haven’t fully processed. The boxes may have been forgotten, but the feelings inside them weren’t. And sometimes, the act of letting go isn’t just about shredding documents - it’s about permitting yourself to release the emotions you’ve held onto.

Tears came unexpectedly at times. Tears for the woman who had to be strong. Tears for the children. Tears for the trauma we carried. But with each tear, my heart felt lighter. With every box emptied, I found more space for peace.

Today, I came across a platter that a neighbour had made for me during that difficult time. She had painted a crown on my head, two hearts, and a diamond - a reminder of courage, self-love, and the power of shining brightly, no matter the darkness.

Looking back, I realise that beyond the pain and suffering was a new life waiting for me - a life I couldn’t have imagined back then.

What do you need to let go of? What do you need to give yourself permission to feel? Sometimes the heaviest weight we carry is the one we refuse to acknowledge. It’s time to let go.

#LettingGo #EmotionalHealing #CourageToHeal #SelfLove #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #LeadershipThroughAdversity