Letting Go: The Healing Power of Release

2/19/20253 min read

My Struggle with Letting Go

For the longest time, I held on to things—old memories, past mistakes, people who had already left, and words that once hurt me. I thought that if I just replayed things in my mind enough, I could somehow change them. But all I was doing was carrying a weight that wasn’t mine to hold anymore.

I was completely heartbroken and depressed when my grandmother passed away. I was 16 or 17 at the time, and I had a deep emotional attachment to her. She was my biggest cheerleader, my best friend, and my support system. Not just for me—she was the rock of our entire family. When she left us, it shattered my heart. Mentally, I was struggling even more. Luckily, I have an amazing family, and with their support, I was able to come out of it quickly.

Healing isn’t something that happens overnight. The process begins with acceptance and letting go of things that no longer serve you. At some point, everyone experiences heartbreak, the loss of a loved one, anxiety, depression, or immense stress. All of this pain stems from emotional or mental attachments. As humans, we form deep bonds—with people, things, or even pets—and these attachments have the power to break us when they’re lost.

Then, I realized: "Letting go is not about forgetting—it’s about making space for what’s meant for me."

Just as wounds need time to heal, we humans need time too.

If you’re holding on to things that feel heavy, this is for you. Let’s talk about how to release, heal, and finally set yourself free.

Why Letting Go is Hard (But Necessary)

Letting go feels difficult because:

  • We think if we let go, it means it didn’t matter. (But it did.)

  • We fear the unknown—what’s next?

  • We get attached to what’s familiar, even if it’s hurting us.

But holding on to things that no longer serve you is like carrying a backpack full of stones. The longer you hold on, the heavier it get. Letting go is not about erasing the past—it’s about freeing yourself from its weight.

What Are You Holding Onto?

Sometimes, we don’t even realize what we’re clinging to. Take a deep breath and ask yourself:

Am I holding onto…

  • Old regrets and “what ifs”?

  • People who are no longer present in my life?

  • Negative self-beliefs that no longer define me?

  • Guilt or shame for things I cannot change?

Awareness is the first step to release. Once you know what you’re holding onto, you can start letting it go

How to Let Go (Gently, Without Force)

Letting go doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process of unlearning, forgiving, and choosing peace.

Gentle Ways to Release:

  • Write it out. Pour your feelings onto paper—then tear it up or burn it as a symbol of release.

  • Breathe deeply. Inhale what you need (peace, clarity). Exhale what no longer serves you.

  • Say it out loud. "I release what is not meant for me. I am ready for new beginnings."

  • Create distance. Unfollow, mute, or remove things that trigger old wounds.

Release is not a single action—it’s a daily choice

Forgiveness is a Form of Letting Go (Even if They Don’t Deserve It)

I used to think forgiveness meant saying, “What you did was okay.” But real forgiveness is saying, “I refuse to let what happened control me anymore.”

What Forgiveness Looks Like:

  • Forgiving yourself for past mistakes.

  • Accepting apologies you never received.

  • Letting go of resentment—not for them, but for your own peace.

Forgiveness is not about them. It’s about setting yourself free.

The Beauty of an Unburdened Heart

When you let go, you make space for:

  • New experiences

  • Better relationships

  • A lighter, freer version of yourself

Letting go is an act of self-love. It’s telling yourself, “I deserve peace more than I deserve to hold onto this pain.” You don’t have to hold onto things that were never meant to stay

Final Thoughts: You Are Allowed to Release

Since I started letting go, I feel lighter, freer, and more present. The past no longer defines me. I am no longer carrying what is not mine to hold.

And I want you to know: You are allowed to let go, too.

✨ Breathe in peace. Breathe out the past. You are free.

💬 What’s one thing you’re ready to release today?

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