One of the greatest grievances known to human interactions are the trials and tribulations that come with letting go a person, place, or thing that we once loved (or maybe still do) go. The art of letting go can be tricky and trying indeed, and at times can test faith, require large amounts of courage, or be difficult to comprehend by one or both parties.

As human beings, it is often such the case that we feel a sense of security in having control - over people, over situations, and in mastering our own emotions. Whatever the case may be, when things spiral beyond our control, we tend to feel a sense of helplessness, which more often than not manifests itself as hopelessness, experiencing an overwhelming feeling of loneliness, or questioning one's own self-worth. We fail to see that we are only human, and are not meant to have all the answers or have the capacity to fix everything, nor are we meant to keep all of the same people with us throughout our individual journeys through life. The sad truth is, we simply outgrow some people, or enter relationships for the wrong reasons, or find ourselves in the company of toxic people who don't truly have our best interests at heart. Furthermore, the people we surround ourselves with have the capacity to either inspire us to reach our highest potential, or drain us and it is important that we select those who we let in wisely, and with great care and consideration.

Sometimes we are faced with the timeless quandary of choosing between the head and the heart when they both want different things. You can love someone with all of your heart, but know in your brain that they aren't good for you, even if they once were. At these times, it is necessary to push aside what you feel to gain clarity in remembering what you deserve. While I am a firm believer in letting your heart be your compass, there are times that it is imperative to do what's best for you - mostly, when the other person isn't. Moreover, you can't help people who don't help themselves, nor people who don't see any issue with their actions. Plainly and simply, you can't save a person who doesn't want to be saved, but you need to prioritize saving yourself, especially in situations or with people that endanger your well-being, regardless of whether it's physical, mental, or emotional.

Other people are not yours to control, persuade, intimidate, or change. Finally, some people will and some people won't love you no matter what you do, so go where the love is. Let go of that which no longer lifts you, but intoxicates you and brings you down - there is no better feeling than learning to breathe, as well as love (even when it's yourself) again.