Saffy Yousaf

Have you ever held onto something so long that your hand went numb? The same principle applies to our emotions. Clinging to relationships or friendships that cause persistent pain can be an excruciating experience. Does this mean we should stop caring altogether? Not necessarily. When love and genuine connection are involved, completely ceasing to care is rarely possible. Letting go is undoubtedly tough, but sometimes it’s a necessary step for our own well-being and that of others.

It can be painful, and the sadness might feel endless. However, letting go can also bring a profound sense of relief. Think back to that numb hand: when we finally release what we’re holding, blood flows again, restoring its function. It’s similar with relationships. By letting go, we empower ourselves and redirect our energy toward more positive and constructive avenues. I’m writing about letting go because of my own experiences holding onto grudges with so-called friends who wronged me. Eventually, letting go revealed that those experiences were lessons, not true friendships, teaching me the importance of valuing myself.

My most recent experience involved a romantic relationship. Letting her go was the only way to preserve both our sanity and well-being. Often, we ignore red flags, indulging in fantasies of what could be, but we end up damaging ourselves and others by holding on for too long. Like trees shedding blossoms to produce fruit, we must let go to foster our own growth. When a tree is left bare, it can focus its energy on reproduction and growth.

Recognizing the negative impact of certain people is one thing, but letting go of detrimental habits and dark thoughts is another challenge altogether. For over a decade, I was a frequent cannabis user. Initially, it served as an escape, but soon I found myself unable to function without it. Paranoid thoughts began to surface, isolating me from reality. Quitting was incredibly difficult, marked by withdrawal symptoms and mood swings, but eventually, the dark clouds dissipated. I’m proud of my decision to quit, and one of the reasons I started blogging was because of the broken sleep caused by the withdrawals. Everything has its own blessing; letting go is indeed a blessing in disguise.

Our thoughts exist in a solitary realm. No one can ever fully comprehend them. Some are dark and paranoid, shaped by our values and experiences. These thoughts have the power to ruin lives and relationships. Letting them go is perhaps the most challenging task of all. So, how do we release ourselves from these thoughts and habits? I don’t claim to have all the answers. What helps me is asking myself, “What do I have to be grateful for?” and “What benefit will these thoughts ultimately achieve?” Rationalizing our thinking is the hardest task, and we should listen to others. We will always believe our own thoughts, but reaching out to loved ones, friends, and work colleagues can help balance out extreme thinking.

In conclusion, letting go is a multifaceted process that touches various aspects of our lives. Whether it’s releasing toxic relationships, overcoming harmful habits, or managing negative thoughts, the act of letting go is essential for personal growth and well-being. While it may be painful and challenging, the freedom and clarity it brings can allow us to focus on what truly matters and build a better version of ourselves. Trust that letting go will liberate you and enable you to concentrate on the more important aspects of your life. What doesn’t break you makes you stronger.