LETTING GO

ETM Magazine

Written by Gay Thomas Wilson

Has there been an unexpected shift in your life that demands you let go of people, places, or things that have been part of you for years? Perhaps you’ve reached a point where you know this decision is non-negotiable, and it resonates deeply within you.

"I CAN’T BREATHE" is the cry from many who have hit the proverbial wall, realizing that their lives must change fundamentally.

Consider the woman who has dated the same man for many years and anticipated marrying him. She decided to let go, move forward, and is seriously considering starting her own business.

Consider the sister-in-law who, after caring for her family through two deaths, decided it was time to re-evaluate her life and focus on her health.

Or the brother who, after years of not valuing his business partner, decided to let go of his old mindset. They are now getting business counseling, aiming to create a more collaborative partnership that serves their vision for the future of the company.

A married couple realizes they cannot continue their ongoing war with each other for another day. They want to let go of the pain and hurt they've held on to for 20 years. They’ve decided to separate and start over with plans to create a more sensitive and communicative relationship.

We seem to have come to a crossroad regarding many past habits, old friends, long-time bosses, and the mindsets that once defined us while holding us captive. These aspects of our lives have suddenly become obsolete.

Or perhaps we’ve known all along but didn’t dare to move forward. We chose to stay in our comfort zones rather than traverse the new land of uncertainty that stands before us, unblinking.

WHY? Is it COVID-19 that has caused this shift? Is it the exposure of our country's political rifts? Is it the threat of racism landing on your doorstep or the fear of losing the entitlement you’ve enjoyed for generations?

There’s something deeply sacred about having the time to be who you are, even when it’s not necessarily the right choice. The unwelcome need to familiarize yourself with who you have become and decide if that’s actually who you want to be, what you care about, and what you long for, is often a necessity we put on indefinite hold.

With death sitting at our doors, we have been forced to re-evaluate our personal and professional choices, finding our way to each other, like it or not. We are thrust into actually living versus rushing through life with force fueled by fear of survival or a false desire for more, more, more of everything.

It has been said that the last few months have caused a pause in our usual rhythm of life. However, it’s been more like a dead stop, forcing us to touch down and reconnect to our most essential needs, including family, food, safety, love, and community.

Having let go, we have finally met in the same place, finding the familiar ache for contact. We are beginning to realize we are made to feel, grieve, rage, love, and care for one another. If we decide to unleash our better angels, there is a subtle suspicion that together, we can thrive.

Articles: Written by Gay Thomas Wilson for ETM Magazine

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Written by Gay Thomas Wilson