Letting go. It's a skill that I can never get right.

When I feel, I feel so deeply. I embrace my emotions wholeheartedly and it's proven to be a blessing and a curse.

Whether it be a friendship, a boy, a bad habit, I always find reasoning of trying to still make it work. But, sometimes, it just continues to hurt me more and more.

We are constantly delving into new chapters of our lives, and every day is different than the one before. Though experience and age can help ease the idea of letting go, there is still no way to fully prepare yourself for it. We continue to hold on to "what used to be," and believe that what we have experienced in the past is the best you'll ever be.

I'll be honest, I do not know how to properly let go. I think a part of me always believes that they'll come back, or that this habit would benefit me in the long run. I will constantly try to reassure myself saying, "this is okay," or "I'll be fine," but I realized the faults in each phrase every time I was let down by the people and habits that I have brought close to my life.

So, what now? What am I supposed to do now that I have realized that I need to let go? Well, here are some things that I have tried to do to let go of something negative in my life, and I think you can benefit from it too.

1. Embrace it.

Embracing the fact that you no longer want this negativity in your life is a good thing. If you notice that said negativity is harming who you are as a person and the goals you have in life, acknowledge it. Don't stay because you're comfortable. Don't stay because it is all you know. Embrace the idea of change.

2. Express it.

Write in a notebook. Make a song. Talk to people. It's amazing to have people that you can share your feelings with. I think there's something so intimate and relieving to be able to express yourself to others, but it's okay if you don't either. For me, I like to write it all down and I instantly feel better. Sometimes all you need is an outlet to express how you feel.

3. Cry if you need to.

Everyone needs to cry at some point. As much as it is hard for someone to unleash all their emotions in tears, it is something that is crucial to your mental health. If you find yourself walking in a park and something triggers your memory, let it out. If you catch the feels at the grocery store, let it out.

Know that it is okay to grieve, and that this is just a step in the normal process of letting go. Take care of yourself - focus on what you need rather than thinking about what is "socially acceptable".

4. Focus on what you are gaining.

Think about your issue, and decide what you are gaining from it. Are you actually happy? Is that person holding the best intentions for your relationship with them? Are YOU holding the best intentions for someone? You have to open up that piece of you that you've been inevitably hiding, and do what's best for yourself.

These are the things that help me in the art of letting go. It might not be the same for you, but I hope that some of these ideas will help alleviate you during the process. And remember, I can't even lie and say that I am an expert at this. I am not. I am far from it actually. But, these steps have helped me further in life, and has helped me realized self worth and self care.

Learn how to go with grace. You have the capability to be the best you can be. You just have to cut the things that aren't letting you do so.