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One of my favorite reasons for loving the start of a new year is the renewal aspect of it all. It’s an opportunity for redemption for all those things not accomplished. But even more important then starting anew is the element of letting go. The word "baggage," though often overused, is quite an appropriate term for holding on to the things that do not serve us. Imagine trying to catch a flight, yet having to manage three to five pieces of luggage. Meanwhile, the person with the simple carry-on breezes pass you, smiling, refreshed and early. And you? Tired, angry and damn near missing your flight. Beyond that, the rest of the flight is so much less enjoyable because of this annoying experience you’ve just had. That’s what we do to ourselves when we hold on to extra weight in our head — we show up for life late, irritated and unhappy.

The Fix? Let Go!

It is important as we embark on this next milestone of our lives — the start of a new decade, a new year, a new beginning — we learn the importance of letting go. The internet is riddled with memes of letting go of people that doesn’t serve, but often time what’s holding us back is not others, but ourselves and our belief systems.

The following are six things I suggest you declutter out of your mind, environment and heart before the start of this awesome new decade ahead:

1. Let Go Of The Need To Keep Up

In the day or social media, many of us think success happens at the drop of a hat, love happens for everyone and weight loss happens by swallowing a magic pill. Let go of trying to keep up with the next person. It’s OK to use others as inspiration, but their path is not yours.

Everyone’s journey is different and yours is a magical and necessary one. It's one that will make you that much better for the world as you travel your own path. Stop trying to keep up and focus on your own road, no matter how long it takes. Enjoy the journey!

2. Let Go Of Limiting Beliefs

Often time it’s the stories we tell ourselves that hold us back. I’m always late. I’m not good enough. It’s too late. I’m too old. I’m too young. I don’t have this or I don’t have that. Let go of these thoughts right now!

You have the full power to craft yourself into the phenomenal being that you were meant to be. Your light is needed, but the world won’t benefit from your magic if you do not step into it. Let go of these limiting thoughts and start being who you want to be.

3. Let Go Of Projects/Ideas That No Longer Fit You

Often times we hold on to ideas and projects that no longer fit our current state or desires. Are you really still trying to be an austraunaut or do you just feel guilty because your parents wanted you to be and you haven’t been able to admit to them or yourself it’s never going to happen? Is knitting really a thing you want to take up or it sounded nice at the time? Whatever it is, whether it’s a personal home project or a business idea, close out the year by letting go of the ones that are no longer relevant to the you that you want to be.

4. Let Go Of Anger And Resentment

Yes we’ve all been wronged and mistreated, and there’s no justification when someone intentionally hurts us. And sometimes we hold anger and resentment toward ourselves for something we did or didn’t do or could have done better. Let go. Forgive yourself. Forgive them.

Forgiving puts power back in your hands. You can’t control other people, but you can control yourself. You can’t control being mistreated, but you can determine if you will use that experience to spread good in the world or let it fester.

Continued anger and resentment is the result of you allowing yourself to be a puppeteer in someone else’s play. Be the director! Move on. Let go. Learn and be different. Have grace and kindness for the other party; perhaps they do not know or did not know better. Whatever is their reason is none of your concern, but you have the power to choose to clear your heart and mind of weeds and negativity that won’t help you grow.

5. Let Go Of Expectations

Of course it’s natural to have expectations. We expect certain things to go a certain way. We have hopes and desires of the world, people, things and ourselves. But the real issue with expectations is our response. Thinking that our mate should have cleaned up the house leads us to be utterly frustrated when we find out they did not. Thinking friends, family or spouses should do X, Y or Z leads to disappointment when it doesn’t happen.

Let go of expectation (as much as possible) and learn to roll with the punches and handle situations in the here and now. Yes there’s hope for no traffic, but if you don’t expect it, you do not have to battle the internal turmoil of the disappointment while trying to come up with a solution. Hope for certain things, but be malleable enough to know it may not happen. And when it’s in a relation to dealing with other people, simply ask for what you want.

6. Let Go Of Fear

Sometimes it’s fear of the unknown and sometimes it’s fear of not repeating past mistakes. Whatever the reason for the fear, let go! And the number one way to do that is to trust yourself. Trust that you have learned and won’t make the wrong decisions. Trust in your judgement and ability to differentiate between good, bad and ugly. Trust that you are capable of dealing with whatever result because you are prepared. Trust that you are strong and you can overcome. Trust yourself!

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Nadege Fleurimond is an entrepreneur, coach, chef and author living in NYC. She is a staunch believer in humans. She is the creator of the ROARior Tribe, a community that encourages creative and passionate entrepreneurs to create the impact they want to see in the world by utilizing their passions to create a business and a life they love.

Nadege

Writing since December 2019 · 1 story contributed