We hang on to so much throughout the course of our lives. We often find it easier to recall and release the good experiences from our past, but we seem intent to hang on to the bad. We hang on to past hurts. We hang on to our regrets. We hang on to toxic relationships. We feel trapped by guilt and our own self-judgments. When this negative cycle repeats for too long, we may start to feel unloved and unworthy of receiving or experiencing anything good.
Francine Ward, author of one of my favorite books, Esteemable Acts, wrote that it’s an act of self-love to know when it’s time to let go. Instead of holding on to anger, fear, frustration, and disappointments from the past, show yourself some love by forgiving yourself and others, and let it go. Stop expecting to be disappointed in the future because of the past. Have faith. Be more compassionate towards yourself and extend that same level of compassion to others. This can help you to become more accepting of yourself and all the good that you deserve.
