9 steps to mastering the art of letting go

Taking it one step at a time will accelerate the healing process

The decision of letting go is no easy feat. Often times we are faced with situations where we have no choice but to accept the outcome and let go; yet we keep finding ourselves trying to hold onto the past with full force. Just like holding on, letting go is a choice that we can make which will prove better for us in the long run. At times holding on can be more damaging than letting go.

Letting go doesn’t only revolve around moving on from a failed relationship with your significant other, but can be implemented during various difficult and different events of your life. Once you master the art of letting go, you know you’ll always come out stronger.

Here are some ways in which you can save yourself from the pain of holding on for too long and trust the process of letting go.

 

1. Be your own saving grace

The person who hurt you can’t be the one who saves you. The only person who can help you heal and move on is yourself.

2. Practice acceptance

Once you’ve made the decision to let go, stop allowing that person back in your life. Distance yourself from the person or place which reminds you of your pain. In order for the wound to heal you must stop touching it. Accept that this is the right thing to do.

3. Have patience and faith

At times the hard decisions are the right ones. Just because it is difficult right now doesn’t mean it will always feel and stay the same. Practice patience and have faith in yourself.

4. Be your biggest fan

How you think, feel and talk to yourself plays a very important role in our lives. Be kind and compassionate towards yourself. How you speak to yourself helps in rewiring your thoughts.

5. Forgive

Forgiveness doesn’t always mean re-connection. Forgiving someone can bring us peace and lift a huge burden off our shoulders. We don’t necessarily have to make them a part of our lives even if we have forgiven them. Forgiving someone for yourself simply means you won’t let what they did to you, weigh you down.

6. Acknowledge your feelings

Once you’ve made your peace with it, you can start to process your emotions. It’s important you don’t suppress them. There are plenty of ways to let out your emotions and thoughts. Talk to a friend, your therapist, write in your journal or just think and feel the pain and emotions, acknowledge them and let go.

7. Focus on the present

It is important to not let your mind wander off too far. Thinking about the past or future can create anxiety or bring down your morale. Stay in the present and focus on what is happening right now.

8. Don’t wait for an apology

Chance are the other person might not apologise and you should be ready to accept that. Waiting for someone to apologise will slow down your healing process.

9. Reach out to your support system

Surround yourself with people who make your life fulfilling.