Letting Go

As I walked outside this morning, it was impossible not to notice the leaves falling from the trees.

I'm always struck this time of year, how easily nature seems to let go and in contrast how hard I find it.

This year has felt like I'm being asked not just to let go, but to surrender.

To 'give myself up' to what is happening.

To surrender into what I don't know and can't control.

It's hard though.

This letting go.

This surrendering into the unknown.

I'd made an assumption that letting go is the same as giving up.

Yet I know that letting go and giving up are not the same thing at all.

Letting go is an acceptance of what is true.

An opening into possibility.

A facing into what I've been denying.

Giving up is a contraction.

A pulling back.

A removal of my myself emotionally or physically.

The two look and feel very different. And I think there's one major reason:

We let go by choice, we give up when we feel we have no choice.

So this season, I'm consciously working on letting go of those things that don't support my growth.

For me that includes anything that makes me feel overwhelmed (news updates; social media).

Things that start with 'should'.

Looking outside myself for approval.

And that dear, old friend, perfectionism.

Instead, I'm focusing on what nourishes me and what I do have influence over.

As I look again at the trees outside my window, there's nothing they're 'giving up'.

They're letting go to create space for new growth.

I don't know yet what will emerge out of this strange time, but I can choose to let go of anything that stops me from meeting it with ease, grace and kindness.

Is there anything you'd be better off letting go of and what would you like to nurture into growth with your attention and love instead?

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