I like contrasting this idea of "letting things go" with your earlier post about forgiveness. As you pointed out, letting go includes things besides forgiveness. A few things I need to let go of: 1) The old wool cardigan in my closet. While it's still as soft and warm as when I bought it 10 years go, it just doesn't do it for me anymore. 2) The Advent calendars that are STILL on back-order, despite having ordered them 3 weeks ago. At this point, the thought of them is bringing me anything but cheer. 3) The belief that, if only I changed - if only I was a little bit better at this, or a little less like that - I'd like myself more. It's a thought that keeps us withholding self-acceptance for "that moment when", which somehow never seems to arrive no matter how much we achieve. Time to try a different approach...
Love this, Amanda. And so sorry about the calendar--seems like a good call there! As someone who struggled with liking myself through most of my life, I can tell you that when you do let those expectations go, your outlook does become happier overall. It's a (sometimes lengthy) process, and it's work--but worth it. As for the sweater. . . what color is it? I could use a little more pink in my wardrobe. . . ;-)
I like contrasting this idea of "letting things go" with your earlier post about forgiveness. As you pointed out, letting go includes things besides forgiveness. A few things I need to let go of: 1) The old wool cardigan in my closet. While it's still as soft and warm as when I bought it 10 years go, it just doesn't do it for me anymore. 2) The Advent calendars that are STILL on back-order, despite having ordered them 3 weeks ago. At this point, the thought of them is bringing me anything but cheer. 3) The belief that, if only I changed - if only I was a little bit better at this, or a little less like that - I'd like myself more. It's a thought that keeps us withholding self-acceptance for "that moment when", which somehow never seems to arrive no matter how much we achieve. Time to try a different approach...
Love this, Amanda. And so sorry about the calendar--seems like a good call there! As someone who struggled with liking myself through most of my life, I can tell you that when you do let those expectations go, your outlook does become happier overall. It's a (sometimes lengthy) process, and it's work--but worth it. As for the sweater. . . what color is it? I could use a little more pink in my wardrobe. . . ;-)