It’s 2025; Let It Go!

Photo by Joshua Abner

Let’s face it carrying baggage from 2024 (or any past year) is weighing you down. Imagine the emotional load you’re hauling around. Heavy, isn’t it?

I get it. Letting go is hard. But here’s a thought: if it won’t matter in five years, why spend more than five minutes stressing over it? That’s the 5 by 5 rule and it’s a game-changer.

When we let go of what derails us, we gain momentum. We become lighter, freer, and more focused on what truly matters.

My Journey of Letting Go

I’m no stranger to carrying baggage. I take things to heart both the good and the bad. While this makes me present and empathetic, it also means I sometimes carry more than I should. Eventually, it began to weigh on me.

In his book Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender, David Hawkins writes:

“Letting go is like the sudden cessation of an inner pressure or the dropping of a weight. It is accompanied by a sudden feeling of relief and lightness, with an increased happiness and freedom.”

He’s right. Letting go is liberating. But the hardest part? The fear — fear of losing, of the unknown, of the unexpected. Often, these fears stem from past traumas or unmet expectations.

Here’s the thing: the past is out of your control. You can’t rewrite it, but you can decide how you respond to it.

Why Letting Go Matters

Psychologists equate letting go with acceptance, forgiveness, self-compassion, and gratitude. These qualities empower you to release both pleasant and painful experiences, fostering emotional flexibility and resilience.

So how can you let go?

10 Steps to Let Go in 2025

1. Accept Your Feelings
   Allow yourself to feel the emotions — whether disappointment, anger, or grief. Suppressing your emotions only delays healing.
2. Understand Why Letting Go Matters
   Your well-being comes first. Holding on to past failures, unmet expectations, or toxic relationships drains you. Let go to create space for peace and growth.
3. Shift Your Perspective
   Reframe your experiences. What lessons can you draw from past failures? Use those lessons to guide your next steps.
4. Practice Forgiveness
   Start with yourself. Forgiving yourself makes it easier to extend that forgiveness to others, freeing you from resentment and guilt.
5. Embrace Change
   Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Step into the unknown and welcome the opportunities that come with it.
6. Set Boundaries
   Distance yourself from people or situations that drain your energy. Clear boundaries protect your peace.
7. Focus on the Present
   Mindfulness keeps you anchored in the now. Dwelling on the past robs you of the beauty and opportunities in the present moment.
8. Seek Support
   Share your journey with trusted friends, join a support group, or talk to a therapist. Letting go feels less isolating when you’re not doing it alone.
9. Create New Habits
   Fill the void left by what you’re letting go of with positive routines — like journaling, exercising, or learning a new skill.
10. Be Patient with Yourself
    Letting go is a process, not a one-time event. Allow yourself to adjust and heal. Celebrate the small victories along the way.

Your 2025 Challenge

This year, let go of what no longer serves you — whether it’s a toxic relationship, a grudge, or fear of failure.

Remember: every time you let go, you make space for something better.

It’s 2025. Let it go and watch your life transform.