“YOUR FUTURE STOPS WITH THE PERSON YOU HAVE ALLOWED TO STOP YOU.”
Embarking on any journey can bring an array of emotions: excitement, trepidation, sorrow, and joy. Life’s journey is no different. Sometimes we have time to prepare for the journey. Other times, we don’t, and our world comes crashing down around us. When this happens, the only thing we can do is let go. Letting go is a difficult and scary thing to do, but often the most amazing experiences are on the other side, where you will experience an amazing sense of freedom. It is only when we let go that we can go after all the things we want and deserve out of life. For me, letting go felt as if I was relinquishing control. If you are someone who likes to control the outcome like me, letting go may feel impossible, but let me share a secret — we never had control in the first place. This might feel confusing and scary at first, but realizing and acknowledging this fact will bring you more peace than that false sense of control ever did.
According to the famous psychiatrist Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, there is a standardized process called the Five Stages of Grief. I went through these stages during the most difficult point in my life, but voices of encouragement and support and the word of God that helped me transition through my journey. Be hopeful. This time will pass. You will heal, and things will get better. As cliché as this sounds, you will look at this moment in a few months or a year and smile, knowing the experience made you stronger!
When I started living as my authentic self, I found that I really had nothing to lose. I had nothing to prove. I just had to accept and acknowledge all my beautiful flaws. As the prolific American author and professor of literature Joseph Campbell wrote: “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned to have the life that is waiting for us.” Letting go is easier said than done, but try not to let misery take control of your life. Decide that it’s time to stop giving so much energy to sadness and focus instead on what is positive. This was a struggle at first, but in due course, I healed. In time, so will you.
Remember all the lessons from this chapter. Make them your mantra. They are your fire whenever it is cold. Keep them close. Find perspective. Welcome yourself. Become untangled. Use your momentum in positive directions, nd always seek freedom through release.
