What do you need to let go of so that you can move forward?
For most of us, forgiving ourselves can be the most difficult thing to do. We have standards for ourselves, even if we aren't clear what these standards are. For example, I'd like to imagine that I would be my biggest advocate, and that I would stand up for myself in times of stress. So when I freeze, run or avoid in times of challenge, I end up with a lot of self-criticism and blame.
One of the biggest things I have been practising is to forgive myself for what I did or did not do. I allow myself to feel the disappointment, hurt and any other emotions that may surface. And then I reflect on what I would do differently next time, and I make a conscious choice to forgive myself.
Holding on, especially to grievances and perceived injustices, serves mainly to keep me stuck. Learning to let go and forgive is to heal and with that, open up possibilities for different outcomes in my future. Depending on the event, this process can take minutes or days, and I may even need to go through it several times to fully let go.
What good do I get from holding on to the past? What do I get from choosing to be stuck in this story?
I believe that once you are able to untangle your own motives and basis for holding on or staying stuck, you may see how this pattern keeps you from moving towards what you truly seek in life.
What do you want to let go of?
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