LETTING GO, AGAIN. (Read & Reflect #7)

Let's talk about letting go before it turns to rot, inspired by a branch that I wrote about a few weeks ago.

A few weeks back, I wrote about a branch that wouldn’t let go (read it here). 

On Thursday, I received this text message from my neighbor: 

Sidenote: Do you know how happy it made me that neighbors were in on branch watch with me?!? Thanks newsletter.

I adore an extended metaphor, so after I read his text message, I knew it would be the topic of my second newsletter this week. 

I saw a lot of myself in that branch.

I’ve hung onto relationships, beliefs, habits, & most recently, my career well past their expiration dates. Why? I was fearful of the unknown. Even after I summoned the courage to let go, the fear still intermittently appeared. 

Take tonight for example. I have no regrets over walking away from teaching, but I was sharing with my therapist how much fear of the unknown I am bumping into as I expand my coaching and writing business.

I also know, that when we hold onto something for too long, we can experience rot.

Rot can ultimately harm our whole being, the same way it took over the entire branch. It can take the form of low self worth, lack of motivation, or denying and losing sight of our values and passions. Even though letting go is terrifying and occasionally paralyzing, it can often spare us from the systemic rot that can take hold. 

The way we talk to ourselves is crucial in these moments.

My neighbor labeled the branch stubborn. 

I’ve used that same language to describe myself when I am stuck. I’ve also used lazy, useless, and unworthy. 

If you have done the same, I challenge you to reframe those words and find some compassion.  

The branch was not stubborn.

It was dedicated.

It was convicted.

It was scared. 

I was not lazy, useless, or unworthy.

I was burnt out.

I was in an environment where my skills were underutilized and undervalued. 

I suppose I could accept my neighbor’s analysis of the branch’s last moments.

I could agree its stubbornness led to its own self destruction. However, I envision a happier ending. I like to think, the branch finally gave itself permission to let go and in the process of falling, it shook loose all of the rot that was holding it back, and when it hit the ground it started a marvelous reinvention. 

You are worthy of reinvention. You do not have to settle for rot. It’s okay to just start by loosening your grip. You don’t have to freefall. I believe in you.

Wholeheartedly, 

Maggie 

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Ideas for Reflection:

1. What is approaching the “expiration date” in your life right now? 

2. What are some signs that you may be experiencing the start of some “rot”?

3. What’s one small shift you can make to letting go of the thing that is causing the rot to sneak in? 

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