I saw this several months ago and snatched it up immediately. It’s printed on metal with raised sides all around and it’s sort of rustic-looking. It’s a tray. Or it’s wall art. Or it’s something else entirely. Regardless of its function, it’s a good reminder—Let It Go.
We all deal with difficulties. Marriage, family, kids, divorce, heartbreak, illness, jobs, finances, aging, parenting, weight, whatever. Each of us, on any given day, feels shackled by something. We are all burdened by the unexpected. We all fear. We all tire of the fight. We all have unseen stones around our ankles that keep us from soaring.
Last night, a conversation with Jen sent me downstairs to stare at this lovely reminder that now hangs on my bedroom wall. In discussing her particular stone for that day, she said, “I can let it go. I really can, now, at 40. Just Let.It.Go.” I’m not sure why letting go seems easier now, at 40, but she’s right—it does. Maybe it’s wisdom. Maybe it’s a developing recognition of what is truly important vs. what is not. Maybe it’s as Anne Lamott perfectly reminds us: “you just don’t have that kind of time.”
Focus on what’s real and what’s right. Seek joy. Fight for the things that are worth it, but walk away from the rest. Cultivate fearlessness. Identify whatever is holding you back or weighing you down … and then let it go:
Let It Go.
Surrender your heart.
Liberate your doubts.
Unleash your intuition.
Take a risk.
Do the thing you didn’t think you could do.
Manifest courage.
Take the journey back to your self.
Free yourself from negative thoughts.
Embrace beginnings.
Release your worry.
Answer the question: “What is calling you?”
wow. You are right. We all have our unseen stones.
Powerful post Mer…
Your words are so true.
xo
Mich
Oh Meredith, this is such a timely reminder for me… That I am letting go of the one stone that’s been weighing down all my life, and while it is scary, it feels good. Life is just too short not to be enjoyed. It’s funny how I used to think that this statement was plain ridiculous pontification, and now I think it rings true (is it about getting closer to 40) ?
Anyway, thank you for sharing.
Well done you!
“Fight for the things that are worth it, but walk away from the rest.” Now I want THAT on a wall hanging in my room. I’m so honored to have been a part of your creative process in any way that this gave me tears in my eyes. And you are so right. xoxoxo
Just. So. Perfect. Thank you. Still something I’m working on. And then it occurs to me, in the hamster run of my brain, that somehow TRYING so frantically to let go seems wrong, too, somehow. Maybe I have to let go of the crazy attempt to let go? Hmmm …. xoxo
Wonderful topic!
A few weeks ago, I decided that I wanted the words “let go” tattooed on the palm of my hand. Unfortunately, an intelligent inked friend gave me a list of reasons why the palm is a bad place for a tattoo. So I’ve been writing the words there with a Sharpie. Seriously. Cuz it’s such good advice. And such an appropriate placement
Love this post! Letting go is such hard work… but once it’s done, it’s so freeing!