The phrase “letting go” has a negative connotation to it. For instance, “She’s really let herself go,” or “You just need to let go!” {Insert snarky tone.}

However, the simple act of letting go can be quite beautiful.

There are things in our life that can hold us back. Things that can prevent us from moving forward towards change. Fear. People. Insecurities. Expectations we set upon ourselves.

A few years ago, shortly after I started homeschooling our older son, I was lost. Lost existentially. I was in the midsts of working with a creative business coach when shit hit the proverbial fan. I was in the beginning stages of implementing a plan to start selling my artwork, writing a book and offering art classes. But then life happened. And you know what? That is okay. But during that time, I didn’t know that. All I knew what that I needed to table everything. The most important thing at that moment was my son. Nothing else mattered.

Now, for a recovering control freak, I needed to let go of all of the expectations that I had put upon myself. It was a practice for sure. And not an easy one. It took a lot of mediation, drawing, talking things over with my family and friends, my therapist, as well as support from my coach at the time. I needed to shift my priorities. Someday I would revisit those grand plans – or maybe not. It no longer mattered. Instead, I found great comfort in one simple word. It became my mantra.

Surrender.

What do you need to surrender to? What will allow you to be free of the confines of your expectations and the expectations of others? What is holding you back from doing the most important thing at this moment? Whatever it is, I know you can do this.

Just let go with your heart wide open and listen.
Your heart always knows.