Letting Go...

Have you ever had something eating you up inside with frustration, anger or hurt, and thought 'I need to let go of that!'?

I sure have - which is why I'm really excited about the latest book I've been reading, Let Go by the inspiring Hugh Van Cuylenburg (founder of The Resilience Project). We're also reading it in GROW - my personal growth / book club - in March.

The dictionary defines 'letting go' as 'to stop thinking about or being angry about the past, or something that happened in the past' - and research shows there are many benefits for us when we let go. Things like:

• Healthier relationships.
• Improved mental health.
• Improved self-esteem.
• Less anxiety, stress and hostility.
• Lower blood pressure.
• A stronger immune system.
• Improved heart health.

..so yes, there is a lot to be gained by letting go of things that cause us pain!

But it's not easy. As humans we all experience hurt and we all feel emotional pain. However what I've realised separates us all, is how we actually deal with it. How we choose to respond.

As you would know, some people can let go more easily, benefit from the learnings of the negative experience and move forward - while others find it really hard.

Hugh starts the book talking about things he needed to let go of - which he'd initially started to write down in a journal. Things including...

• Shame
• Expectation
• Perfection
• Control
• Fear of failure
• Social media
• Ego

Maybe you can relate to needing to let go some of the above, along with pain from specific experiences you may have had.

"What-ever those things are for you, I highly recommend taking out a journal and over the coming week making a list of all of the things you feel you would love to let go of."

Don't think about 'how'. Just write your 'To let go of' list as your starting point.  Simply doing that is really empowering - and positive change always start with authentic self-awareness.

And I highly recommend reading Hugh's book, which combines powerful insight with research and his own candid and honest storytelling to show how it is possible to let go and rediscover joy. 

And if you feel you'd like to read and discuss this great book with like-minded people, why not consider joining us in GROW for March where Hugh's book will be our focus. To find out more click here...

I love this book and all the wisdom and inspiration in it, and I just can’t wait to read more, discuss it, learn from others in the GROW Club on our weekly Monday evening Zoom calls in March. Most of all, I'm looking forward to implementing the learnings and helping others do the same!

Do consider doing me in GROW for this. I'm sincerely over the moon to see the progress being made by GROW members. It's wonderful!

Oh, and this weeks Dream Life Podcast episode is a review of Hugh's book. Listen here...

Dream Big!

PS: From my experience, one of the best ways to let go is to find and learn lessons from the situation and use those as a springboard for growth - and to help you move forwards towards the life you dream of.

And keep in mind, letting go can take time. Be kind to yourself and celebrate any small wins along the way.

Need Some Dream Life Inspiration in Your Everyday? Click below...