The Art of Letting Go | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Art of Letting Go

You can move on.

22
The Art of Letting Go

It’s typical that once something that meant so much to you is no longer the same, you have to let it go. Imagine a rope. You’re holding on to this rope which happens to have a large weight attached to it. You have no idea what that weight is. It could be happiness, misfortune, anything. This rope gets heavier and heavier and soon you become tired and depressed. Your body is worn out, you feel a constant heaviness on your shoulders, and the only thing that you feel is the soreness from holding on too long. This is when you learn to let go.

There are times when we let this rope slide from our hands a bit, and we feel relieved. However, we think about the weight that is on the end of the rope and continue to hold on again. We do this over and over again. We release then pull again. Letting go is never easy. Even when we have no choice but to let go, we can’t do it. What if’s can hold us back on doing what may be best. What if it works out? What if I can make this better? What if this is just a rough patch? Unfortunately, those lingering thoughts of hope are the worst for letting go.

We continue to put our minds and bodies through these cycles that are caused by our thoughts and feelings. It’s okay. The most important thing to understand when learning to let go is that it’s okay to abolish the possible thought that things will work out. If you have spent so much time going back and forth, the chances of things getting better are not high. Always remember, when one door closes, another one does open.

Believe it or not, one of the hardest things about letting go is realizing that something that used to mean so much to you no longer means anything at all. It’s okay. You will find something new that fills the void of what is no longer in your life. Everything happens for a reason and the reason isn’t always in your favor. Let what has been troubling you free. If you’re unsure on whether or not you should let something go, let it go. If it comes back, it’s meant to be in your life. If it doesn’t, it was never really yours to keep. As cliché as it is, it’s true. Whatever is meant to be shouldn’t be so hard. What’s worth having doesn’t come easy, but it shouldn’t put your mind and body through an emotional roller coaster that makes you question who you are and what you do. Realize what is good for you, and rid yourself of what you have made yourself believe was good for you.

Meditation and yoga have proven to be most effective in occupying the mind and helping to let go of what is troubling you. These exercises help you relax and ease the mind of what weighs your body down. The breathing in these two practices also helps to release tension in your body making you feel weightless. One of the greatest rewards from yoga is a happy and healthy mind, and body. In no time, you will see yourself smiling brighter and feeling lighter. Now, think back to the rope you were so tightly holding on to. The rope has now fallen into the abyss, your hands aren’t sore, and your body is no longer heavy with uncertainty. Letting go is never easy, but love yourself enough to understand when it’s time to put yourself first.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

21187
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8945
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6488
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5596
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments