knowing when to let goNo one thought I would do it.
Actually, I didn’t even think I would do it. People told me over and over again ‘just let it go, Shannon!‘ My co-workers told me ‘you should just be plain embarrassed!’. A few friends and family gave me the ‘Im sooo over THAT‘ look. whenever I would pull it out. But, No one could convince me. In fact, the harder they tried- the tighter my grip got. Until one day… That was the day I just knew it was time. I needed to move on. After over a decade, I finally let go of my Palm Centro cell phone. Yes, the one that probably came out in the late-90’s. You can join the legions and laugh at me… I don’t mind. Fast forward. I stepped out of my comfort-zone. You can only imagine the utter shock of happiness I saw from those I know. I finally have a smart phone… along with everyone else in the world. Although in the scheme of things this scenario is harmless, it taught me several things: Regardless of how logical it may be to let something(or someone) go, sometimes our human tendency is to remain complacent & comfortable even in unpleasant or toxic situations. Comfort & complacency results in holding on way too long...
I was attached to an old crusty phone- paying higher monthly fees with less benefits. I was comfortably complacent- and it was costing me. It was costing me in money, convenience, frustration and who knows what else. But, somehow I still defended holding on to it- like it was my first born. My mom, who hardly knows how to use her smart phone even had one. So, I’ll admit it- I had an unhealthy attachment. My scenario only had to do with a cell phone. But, so many other life scenarios have to do with weightier issues. Issues that impact our lives daily. Holding on can be a major barrier that impacts things to come. We forfeit our future when we stay in the comfort of complacency and don’t realize it. How often could I have avoided getting lost- if I would have had a smart phone navigation when trying to find someplace new. Navigation I regularly use now. And I pay far less for the monthly service. Letting go of the old is a prerequisite for the blessings(yes, that’s plural) that come with being open to receiving the new. Sometimes the areas of complacency are easily recognizable. Other times not. The following are some simple ways to know it may be time to let go of …
– There is no longer a common ground – The relationship has been consistently sucking the life out of you – The relationship is based on you sacrificing for their benefit. It is rarely reciprocated
– You know you’ve already fulfilled your purpose there – The blessings have stopped flowing there
– The majority is telling you it’s time to make a change… (i.e. my old cell phone!) – You stick to your habit(s) mainly because they are comfortable and safe – Fear
– You have an excess of material things. – You have attachments to things you have that are used, outdated or not . Today are you comfortably complacent? Have you unknowingly settled into complacency in any area of your life. What habits, people, things or mindsets are you holding on to that are providing little or no benefit for you? It’s the perfect time to ‘start clean‘! Get rid of what is weighing you down or slowing your progress. Make room for the new(good stuff!) by making the necessary shift(s) in your life starting today. |