Letting Go: The Unexpected Strength in Release

Self Session
Nov 26, 2024
3 min read

Letting go. Two simple words that sound so freeing—but the reality is, they’re anything but simple. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself gripping onto things a little too tightly: control, expectations, resentment, or maybe even a version of yourself you’ve outgrown. The idea of letting go is often romanticized, as though releasing what doesn’t serve you is a magical, instantaneous process. But the truth? Letting go is hard. It’s messy. And it’s deeply uncomfortable.

When I first tried to let go of control, I felt like I was doing something powerful. I told myself,

"This is it. I’m stepping back, I’m releasing my grip."

And for a brief moment, it felt like freedom. I felt lighter, like a weight had been lifted. But then reality set in. Letting go didn’t fix everything. I didn’t immediately feel healed or aligned. In fact, I felt untethered, like I was floating with no clear direction. The results I wanted weren’t happening, and I started questioning the process altogether.

The Real Work of Letting Go

Here’s the thing no one tells you about letting go: it’s not just about releasing the thing you’re holding onto. It’s about releasing all the layers that keep you tied to it—fear, self-doubt, the stories you’ve been telling yourself about why you need that thing in the first place. For me, letting go of control wasn’t just about loosening my grip on outcomes; it meant sitting with my discomfort, my impatience, and my fear of failure.

Letting go also takes time. And patience. Two things I had to learn to develop as I went through the process. I realized I couldn’t rush healing or growth. Every step—even the ones that felt frustrating or stagnant—was part of the journey. And eventually, I started to see something shift. The more I released, the more space I created for clarity, freedom, and alignment to flow in.

What Are You Really Holding Onto?

So often, what we’re holding onto isn’t serving us in the way we think it is. Maybe it’s the resentment you’ve been carrying after a relationship ended badly, or the fear of stepping into something new because you’re afraid you’ll fail. Or maybe, like me, it’s the need to control every outcome in your life because letting go feels like losing control entirely.

But here’s what I’ve learned: holding on to these things doesn’t protect us. It traps us. It keeps us tied to the past, stuck in cycles that don’t allow for growth. When you let go, you’re not giving up—you’re creating space. Space for new perspectives, new opportunities, and a deeper connection to yourself.

The Strength in Letting Go

Letting go isn’t weakness. It’s one of the strongest things you can do because it requires trust. Trust in yourself, trust in the process, and trust that what’s meant for you will find its way to you. It’s about releasing what no longer serves you—not because you’re giving up, but because you deserve better.

For me, letting go of control allowed me to focus on what really mattered. It didn’t happen overnight, and it certainly wasn’t easy. But every step taught me something: how to sit with discomfort, how to trust myself, and how to find freedom in surrender.

How to Start Letting Go

If you’re ready to let go but don’t know where to start, here are a few steps that helped me:

1. Acknowledge What You’re Holding Onto: Take some time to reflect on what’s weighing you down. Write it out, talk it through, or just sit with it. Awareness is the first step.

2. Ask Yourself What It’s Costing You: Holding onto control, resentment, or fear takes energy. What could you gain by releasing it? What space could you create?

3. Start Small: Letting go doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be as simple as choosing to forgive someone, releasing one expectation, or loosening your grip on a single outcome.

4. Practice Patience: Remember, this is a process. It’s okay if it feels uncomfortable or if progress seems slow. Trust that every step is a step forward.

5. Find Support: Whether it’s through community, journaling, or talking to someone you trust, don’t go through this alone. Sharing your journey can make the process feel less daunting.

Your Turn

Letting go isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a practice, one that requires intention and effort. But the freedom, clarity, and strength that come with it? That’s worth every moment of discomfort.

What’s one thing you’re ready to let go of today? Share your thoughts in the comments or journal it out. Remember, letting go isn’t about losing—it’s about gaining something far greater.