The Art of Letting GO: How to Let Go of the Past, Look Forward to the Future, and Finally Enjoy the Emotional Freedom You Deserve! (The Art Of Living Well Book 2)

by Damon Zahariades

The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward. STEVE MARABOLI

Life moves on and so should we. SPENCER JOHNSON

There’s an important difference between giving up and letting go.” JESSICA HATCHIGAN

Letting go begins with accepting our new circumstances. Rather than clinging to a past we desperately want to reclaim, we embrace reality. We commit to no longer dwell on the past.

The proper way to let go involves recognizing our negative thoughts and emotions, determining why we’re experiencing them, and moving from the denial and bargaining stages to the acceptance stage of grief.

Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it. ANN LANDERS

Our past contributes to our identity.

Emotional exhaustion occurs slowly. And because of its gradual escalation, it often goes unnoticed and therefore unmanaged. It’s akin to the proverbial frog that is placed in a pot of tepid water. If the temperature of the water is slowly increased to the boiling point, the frog will fail to perceive the danger. It will remain in the pot until it expires.

Chronic unhappiness doesn’t stem from life’s daily stressors. And while unhappiness can arise from being glued to social media, constantly acquiring material goods, and lack of socialization, these too rarely lead to chronic unhappiness. If you cannot recall the last time you were happy, you may be clinging to a painful memory, deeply-felt loss, or regrettable and consequential decision made with false expectations. Your attention might be consumed by it to the point that it has obfuscated the small joys normally experienced during the course of a given day. This feeling, if allowed to continue unaddressed, can open the door to depression and lead to emotional and social isolation.

When we give ourselves the chance to let go of all our tension, the body’s natural capacity to heal itself can begin to work. THICH NHAT HANH

To let go is to release the images and emotions, the grudges and fears, the clingings and disappointments of the past that bind our spirit. JACK KORNFIELD

emotionally dependent on one another, encouraging each other to stay despite their mutual misery.

Continual happiness is a mirage because suffering is a part of life.

While our anger may be justified, it’s exhausting to hold on to. It takes a lot of energy to remain angry.

#14 - Others' opinions Many opinions are beneficial to us. Some provide useful and constructive feedback. Others offer insight we would otherwise overlook. These points of view can improve our performance, boost our creativity, and help us to recognize personal deficits and situational roadblocks. But it’s possible to become so reliant on others’ opinions that we become unable to act on our own. Immobilized by fear, we seek validation from others for every decision and action. When we let go of others’ opinions, we begin to experience greater confidence in our own efficacy. We also enjoy the satisfaction and happiness that accompanies self-validation.

our failures often pave the road toward personal growth and self-improvement.

If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living. ANATOLE FRANCE

Although we’re unhappy, we fool ourself into thinking we can continue to tolerate it.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. When I let go of what I have, I receive what I need. LAO TZU

Negative emotions are like unwelcome guests. Just because they show up on our doorstep doesn't mean they have a right to stay. DEEPAK CHOPRA

OUR BRAINS ARE HARDWIRED TO SURVIVE

The mind prioritizes survival above all other concerns.

Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose. LYNDON B. JOHNSON

You cannot let go of anything if you cannot notice that you are holding it. Admit your ‘weaknesses’ and watch them morph into your greatest strengths. NEALE DONALD WALSCH

Hanging onto resentment is letting someone you despise live rent-free in your head. ANN LANDERS

It’s hard to feel happy when our needs aren’t being met. We feel dissatisfied. It’s as if a cloud of discontent follows us wherever we go. We know intuitively that we’re not experiencing something essential to our happiness, even if we’re unable to precisely identify what that something is.

The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for. FYODOR DOSTOYEVSKY

Purpose motivates us. It fills us with resolve and encourages us to take action. It influences our behaviors and helps us to make difficult decisions. It aids us in regulating our emotions and allows us to focus on what matters to us. Purpose gives our life meaning and plays a critical role in whether we feel fulfilled or dissatisfied.

When we’re clear about our purpose, we’re optimistic. We recognize that life has a lot to offer and want to take advantage of opportunities to enjoy it. We know what we’re supposed to do, or are at least confident that we can figure it out. By contrast, when we don’t know what gives us purpose, we feel bored, empty, and anxious. We might even feel hopeless, a sentiment that reinforces the false and damaging internal narrative that we lack personal agency. This lack of awareness regarding our purpose makes us more inclined to hold on to the past. The future seems arbitrary and pointless, which makes the past seem more important to us.

what gives us purpose today may be different tomorrow.

In the process of letting go you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself. DEEPAK CHOPRA

Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold. THOMAS JEFFERSON

Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner. LAO TZU

When you say yes to others, make sure you aren’t saying no to yourself. PAULO COEHLO

Happiness is like being cool: the harder you try the less it's going to happen. So stop trying. Start living. MARK MANSON

survival clearly isn’t a concern for us today in the way it was for our ancestors.

Be patient with — and compassionate toward — yourself. Celebrate small victories.

Take stock of everyone who has ever wronged you in any way, regardless of how severe or recent it may have been, and make the choice to let go. Forgiveness is an act of the heart. WAYNE DYER

weigh the benefits of forgiving yourself against the downsides of continued self-condemnation.