Emotional Cleansing for Freedom and Joy

suitcase

Creative Commons License photo credit: jasleen_kaur

 

"Letting go doesn’t mean giving up, but rather accepting that there are things that cannot be."                                                               unknown 

I find my head stuffed with a past hurt, a dumb mistake or worry, fear and doubt about the future.

Some days I drag around information over load through out my day or exhaust myself from too much busyness. 

Or like hanging on to old clothes that no longer fit I find myself hanging onto goals I've out grown. 

When my children were young we had a very small home with little space and they saved everything. There was so much in their closets I would quickly shove the stuff back on the shelves so I could close the doors. 

Like their old closet I often need to clear out my mental and psychological baggage that is weighing me down. 

People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.  Thich Nhat Hanh                             I

I want my body, mind and spirit to sparkle and shine. 

The choice to let go and change is powerful and liberating. 

"There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn’t the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new life." unknown

The following activities are activities for traveling light:

Spend more time in silence and nature.

Journal my thoughts.

Create new affirmations.

Go with the flow.

Spend time thriving vs striving.

Enjoy the process. 

Be kind and gentle with myself. 

Replace an old habit.

Invite change.

Become free of the past and future.

Dwell in possibility.

Act on guidance.

Ask for support.

Live and breathe gratitude.

Create something new.

Cherish and adore who I am.

Increase my consciousness of joy.

Everyone needs to let go of situations, things, memories, people and even our old selves.

We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us. Joseph Campbell 

What's weighing you down? 

Is there anything you want to release? 

Stand up and walk out of your history. Phil McGraw

I'm also a guest at Jungle of Life today, I've written about a "pocket full of paradise"…I invite you to check it out…

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  • Erin S. April 7, 2010, 10:34 am

    Hey Tess, Letting go is such a powerful topic. We are afraid. We go kicking and screaming into change; even if it is good change. Love your thoughts on this. Terrific opening quote! You had me from that moment on.

    I also think letting go is a bit of a process. Forgiveness is like that. We want to forgive and let go, but sometime we can only release a little bit at a time. So I appreciate the suggestion you have to be kind and gentle with ourselves.

  • Greg Blencoe April 7, 2010, 10:48 am

    Hey Tess!

    I love the picture – lots of baggage!

    Up until about six years ago, I was not good at all at letting things go. However, I started to realize that the more I let go, the happier I became. And most of the things that bothered me were simply not worth being upset about. Sometimes you can choose to be right or you can choose to be happy.

    I’ve also let many things go recently. I feel so much “lighter” emotionally as a result. And I’m big into meditation which helps keep me focused on the present instead of worrying about the past.
    .-= Greg Blencoe´s last post…How To Be Universally Attractive =-.

  • Joy April 7, 2010, 12:00 pm

    Tess,
    No way!!! Totally different circumstances and we’ve come up with the same conclusion–I’ve just written about letting it be. Letting go and letting it be. Oh yea!!!! It means we are all healing and growing at the same time–I *love* that! Find great reassurance in that.
    “Stand up and walk out of your history”–on a day when I’ve had the insight that I am no longer who I was…that I am new and different..and here is this amazing quote.
    Thank you Tess!! You are awesome. Truly:)
    .-= Joy´s last post…Let it Be… =-.

  • Hulbert April 7, 2010, 12:02 pm

    Hey Tess, this post really reminded me of Up in the Air with George Clooney. He advocates not carrying too much baggage with you while traveling. This symbolizes that we shouldn’t carry too much emotional and mental baggage in real life either. These are some good tips that you share here on releasing baggage, especially the one on journaling. I think my biggest emotional and mental baggage is letting my past worry about me. The more I focus on the present moment though, the more I feel that I have less baggage on me which makes me feel better. Thanks for this post.
    .-= Hulbert´s last post…Mark Cuban and Grit =-.

  • Peggy April 7, 2010, 12:14 pm

    Tess,

    I absolutely love this post! Letting go is such an important message – Can I reprint this in its entirity on my stepmom’s toolbox website?

    Love,
    Peggy
    .-= Peggy´s last post…A New Weight Loss Plan =-.

  • Betsy Wuebker April 7, 2010, 12:16 pm

    Love the “Stand up and walk out of your history” quote!!! Thanks for an inspiring message today, Tess.
    .-= Betsy Wuebker´s last post…Victory in the Scabbard =-.

  • Tess Bold Life April 7, 2010, 2:57 pm

    Erin,
    Yes I love that quote too. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in letting go I forget I’m makin’ room for all good things to flow! And yes like forgiveness it is a process. Great reminder for me from you. I’m grateful!

    Greg,
    Meditation is one of the most powerful things we can do. I know this on one level and on another…I begin for 8 months and stop…begin for 8 months and stop. Hey I’m makin’ progress right! 8 out of 12 isn’t bad;)

    Joy,
    Aren’t you and I getting good at being on the same path at the right time. How do ya like the twist I gave that one?!? Yes let it be and let it go…they go great together just like me and you. Rock on!

    Hulbert,
    Yes I saw and loved that movie. My daughter’s new boyfriend looks like G. Clooney;) And yes I love journaling and focusing on the moment is icing on the cake…Want a piece anyone?

    Peggy,
    Yes Yes Yes! xo

    Betsy,
    Yes I love that one as well and I’m walkin’ out of some recent history….big time! Thanks for stopping by!

  • Barbara April 7, 2010, 5:10 pm

    Hi Tess,

    I’m not generally one to post but one of the things I’m trying to work on is being a little more willing to just put myself out there. I found your site a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. It was especially pertinent for me today. I am a engaged single mother and trying to decide if I want to continue with this engagement. Not an easy decision to make and lots of scary unknowns. No living together so that part makes it at least a little easier. I just think that instead of helping or encouraging me in my quest to be more positive he is draining me. My point is that I wanted to say thank you for being out there and giving me more to think about as I travel down this road of life.

    Blessings,
    Barbara

  • Tess Bold Life April 7, 2010, 6:38 pm

    Barbara,
    Thanks for the compliments and it sounds like you know what you need to do. I know you have the courage and the strength. Keep coming back we have a wonderful community here and everyone really helps each other. Welcome!
    .-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…Dragos Roua Entrepeneur and Author That Rocks! =-.

  • Patty - Why Not Start Now? April 7, 2010, 6:54 pm

    Hi Tess – Letting go has been on my mind too, and you couldn’t have said it better. That Joseph Campbell quote is one of my all-time favorites. It always gives me goose bumps (the good kind) when I read it. Thanks.
    .-= Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last post…Meaning Mondays: The Letting Go of Love Edition =-.

  • Davina April 7, 2010, 10:40 pm

    “Accepting the things that cannot be” — that quote’s a biggie for a lot of people, because giving up is so often seen as failure. It’s almost like a person will hold onto something that’s not working just to spite that.

    I love your lists Tess. On this one “create something new” jumped out at me. Drawing on different ideas to create something new, or even just taking a new route to work can create a new perspective.
    .-= Davina´s last post…What You Don’t Know Can Hurt =-.

  • Hilary April 7, 2010, 11:05 pm

    Hi Tess .. absolutely getting free can be a huge cut of the umbilical cord to our things, ways of life .. letting go and realising that it cannot be is so freeing .. move towards the new life and new opportunities with a cleaner or clean slate.

    Love that: Stand Up and walk out on your history .. it is in your future your life lies ..

    Thanks Tess – lovely Spring sunny day here – releasing the past ..
    All the best and have a great week – Hilary
    .-= Hilary´s last post…Folklore Notes and report back on Great British Garden Bird Watch =-.

  • Tess Bold Life April 8, 2010, 3:07 am

    Patti,
    I think fear stops me from letting go to allow my life flow and happen as it should. I think we all continuously let go each day sometimes kicking and screaming and sometimes with grace. You my friend are one who would make it graceful.

    Davina,
    That is so true…we look at letting go as failure. I was tutoring a group of kids and just let it go due to behavior problems. I was pulling my hair out and my husband said “QUIT.” And I said, I’ll feel like I failed and he said, “you fail if you stay.” I quit!

    Hillary,
    Oh yeah and the older I get I think I have a difficult time walking out of my history of even yesterday. Crazy,eh?
    .-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…Dragos Roua Entrepeneur and Author That Rocks! =-.

  • Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord April 8, 2010, 5:16 am

    OH MY GOD, Tess… The timing of this, the quotes, everything — it’s just perfect! I don’t think Twitter is big enough to handle what I want to do with this post. I might have to climb on top of a tall building so I can do some rooftop shouting!

    Those quotes really did move me… They’ll surely be shared around today, and probably even printed out.

    Letting go. Letting go. Letting go.
    Surrendering.
    Admitting we don’t always feel how we want to feel, and it’s caused by something unhealed from our (recent or distant) past.
    And that’s okay.
    Hurt and unhealed doesn’t mean defective.
    It means OPPORTUNITY.
    To grow, change, refresh.
    To seek out the Divine in a new, unexpected way.

    Thank you, my insightful friend, for this incredible post. ( * bow * )
    .-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last post…Small Is The New Big: 9 Small Things You Can Do To Affect BIG Change =-.

  • Stacey Shipman April 8, 2010, 5:17 am

    I, too, love the stand up and walk out of your history quote…I’m in a place where I’m doing that (again) right now, more from a professional stand point, and yes, it’s scary. But I know once I announce it it will be ok.

    Letting go, boy have I done a lot of that over the years…and I do feel lighter and more peaceful.
    .-= Stacey Shipman´s last post…Do you enjoy spending time alone? =-.

  • Zeenat{Positive Provocations} April 8, 2010, 5:46 am

    Oh Tess,
    What a powerful post with a powerful message.
    I have been thinking about this for sometime now…infact i thought i would write about it too…just haven’t gotten around to doing it as yet.
    Letting go can be very hard sometimes…but the decision to and the realization that its weighing you down can be the most motivating factor to actually make you take action and truly let go.
    I love the quotes…so perfect!
    I might write about this topic too..and will link to this post then..:)
    Big Hug and Much Love Oh Bold One 🙂
    Z~

  • Tony Single April 8, 2010, 6:37 am

    Tess, I am disgusted and dismayed that you used the word “change” on your otherwise fine blog. Look! See? Now you’ve got me using it! Well, I never!

    I’ll have you know that “change” is a filthy word that should never be uttered in polite conversation or bandied about willy nilly on technical magic screens of the kind one might find on desk tops in offices and stuff.

    I shall write to the Internet Ombudsman immediately! Okay… well, after I’ve had some chocolate to calm down then. Oh, alright, I’ll let you off this once, but IT HAD BETTER NOT HAPPEN AGAIN!

    Change indeed! That would imply letting go of past hurts and unfulfilled dreams and whatnot. I worked hard on keeping those things honed to perfection! How DARE you tell me to throw them away like yesterday’s newspaper?! Good jiminy grief! I’m beside myself! Oh… that’s ‘cos I’m looking in a mirror…

    Ahem.

    Seriously though, I have to say your list for travelling light hits just the right tone for me. These are all activities that are down to earth and live right where I live. They are absolutely doable…

    Now, if I can just work up the motivation (i.e. “procrastinate”)… 😛
    .-= Tony Single´s last post…The Toolmaker Pauses =-.

  • Lance April 8, 2010, 7:32 am

    Hi Tess,
    I love the subject here today! Just last night my wife and I were talking about this (well…focused specifically around “change”). And on this journey through life, I just find myself at a place right now where I am very much at peace with it all. For me, that feeling of peace is very liberating toward the idea of “letting go”.
    .-= Lance´s last post…RAOKA: Laughter =-.

  • Amit Sodha - The Power Of Choice April 8, 2010, 8:21 am

    Hey Tess, I think this is my first time posting here. I love the idea of letting go because it is an challenging exercise which, once seen through, brings so many rewards on the opposite side. In my life it’s not just been things to let go of but people too. I realised I was holding onto friendships for reasons which were not necessarily authentic. Even though it was difficult it was definitely worth going through.
    .-= Amit Sodha – The Power Of Choice´s last post…500th Post Celebration – A Big Free Unique iPod Giveaway =-.

  • Caroline April 8, 2010, 8:47 am

    I want to stop being afraid. Afraid that I am not good enough. Afraid that if I go out and start a photography business that there is too much competition. That I can’t find clients. That I am a fool. That my “gear” is not good enough. I want to let go of those fears so I can move forward. But I feel stuck in them right now…
    .-= Caroline´s last post…Meet Yahtzee… =-.

  • Jannie Funster April 8, 2010, 9:38 am

    Beautiful, Tess!

    It is comforting to know even you enlightened gurus are working on yourselves.

    Me, I forgive others ‘way, ‘way faster than I forgive me. I’d like to be better with that, for sure. So that is exactly why I need to record your list into my voice recorder to play back for me — to focus on the POSITIVE! And let those old mistakes that occasionally tug on my heart fade more and more.

    Gee Tess, you are an absolute angel!! Thank you!!!

    xxo

  • Chris Akins April 8, 2010, 10:52 am

    Tess,

    It just so happens I am reading a work by Thubten Chodron, and the thought that comes to mind as I read this post is the impermanence of things. I find it helpful to remind myself frequently that all things change and pass. By practicing acceptance of this fundamental law we can learn to better accept and let go of the emotional baggage that we all accumulate over the years.

    Chris
    .-= Chris Akins´s last post…The Power of Positive Language =-.

  • Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord April 8, 2010, 10:59 am

    So Tess, I read this post of yours, and then as a carry-on from the purging I’ve been doing all week (since last week, even), I just cleaned out my closet of all but probably one bag’s worth of clothes. Now, I don’t have many clothes to begin with. I’m the queen of clean in that regard… But more and more in the last few weeks, I don’t recognize myself when I look in the mirror. I don’t know the person looking back at me, and the clothes I wear, even, seem ill-fitting. It’s all part of this transformation I’m in, but after reading your words and then opening my closet door, I heard the prompt: “Clean it all out.”

    That physical purge was the manifestation of an emotional purge I was doing simultaneously.

    I called a friend before I did it, telling him what I just told you, and said, “I’m not going to have anything left!” His response, which glared at me, was, “And why can’t that be okay? Why can’t it be okay to not know who you are, to rid yourself of all ties to the past that USED to define you, and just let the nothingness fill itself in? Why do we always have to know where we’re going before we’re okay letting go of where we’ve been?”

    YES! So… thanks. Again. (smile)
    .-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last post…Small Is The New Big: 9 Small Things You Can Do To Affect BIG Change =-.

  • Karl Staib - Work Happy Now April 8, 2010, 12:50 pm

    I love the line “Spend time thriving vs striving.”

    That’s why I try to do every single day. I don’t always accomplish this, but I try. There are some days that I’m all striving and I get mad at myself. It’s this mental bullying that I have to let go of.
    .-= Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last post…What to do When You Hit a Creativity Wall =-.

  • Tess Bold Life April 8, 2010, 4:16 pm

    Megan,
    I think you’ve moved to first place in my fan club. Thanks for all the wonderful affirmations. I’ve been wanting to share more of myself lately and just decided to write on letting go. I don’t thing there are many people not feeling this way… about the need to let go, release and the opportunity to learn. xo

    Stacey,
    It will be exciting to watch all the wonderful opportunities flow in because of your progress in this area. And who doesn’t want to feel lighter and free?!?

    Z. you go right ahead on write on this topic. I know like others I would gain great insight from it, as always. Thanks for stopping by and being a part of my community!

    Tony,
    😉 Throw them at me like’s yesterday’s newspaper. I love your humor! Now get ready…I’m tossing it over.

    Lance,
    Let go…change and inner peace…it doesn’t get much better than that does it?

    Amit,
    Yes I know what you mean about those friendships…I let go of a big one last week. I decided to quit beating my head against the wall. I found out…ouch! It hurts;)

    Caroline,
    Yes you are good enough, yes your equipment is good enough and yes there will be clients for your beautiful work. I don’t know another photographer like you! Congratulations on your new journey and when I saw that you specialize in women…I thought that’s perfect for her!

    Oh Jannie,
    I’m only mirroring your angelic qualities! I’m no guru so knock it off! LOL

    Chris,
    Thanks for the reminder of the impermanence of things. I need to get that book because I forget too often myself. Thank you.

    Megan,
    I’m beginning to get jealous of your transformation. Can I have Steve’s number? Maybe he can help me too! You’re awesome and I’m amazed at your testimonial to growth and life. You’re amazing Megan!

    Karl,
    Oh what a great way to put it…mental bullying. I get it because I do it as well. With this phrase I can help myself get over it. Because it’s cruel. How’s that for self honesty?
    .-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…Dragos Roua Entrepeneur and Author That Rocks! =-.

  • Carolynn April 8, 2010, 5:07 pm

    Oh boy. This is so in tune with where I’ve been for the past few months. My stress level has been upped a few notches in the last week over an upsetting development on the home front. Instinctively, I’ve incorporated many of the things you’ve brought up here. The most powerful one for me has been the act of choosing to Dwell in Possibility. So much more life affirming than wallowing in fear.

    In addition, I remind myself that I am not destitute. I will NEVER end up on the street. There is no reason to panic. I WILL be okay, no matter what. Control is only an illusion, anyway. It’s only money – I’m healthy and my loved ones are healthy. I have much to be grateful for. I am not alone.

    I’m choosing to see the challenges that have presented themselves as a nudge from the Universe to take that leap of faith toward a life of my choosing. It seems that I’m the type who needs a push….

    Blessings,
    Carolynn
    .-= Carolynn´s last post…Killer Kisses =-.

  • Evita April 8, 2010, 6:22 pm

    Ha Tess! That photo of the suitcases had me cringing.

    I am not one for stuff. And in reading this post of yours, it comes at a great time in my life, as we are going through a big purging with my husband right now. (I hope that sounds right LOL)

    We live simple as it is, keeping only that which we use and know we need at this time, but as we have sold our home and are transitioning to an even simpler way of life, we are letting go of so much!!!!

    And you know what – it feels so good. I love that I do not have any attachment to our stuff – not the big stuff or the small stuff.

    I am just the kind of person perhaps that thrives on space and clarity. In fact in our new home, the way we were going to set up the upstairs is to have our own living room space, in case we have family or guests using the one below, and we decided against it. Instead in that space, we are literally going to have space. I don’t want to sit on a couch and stare at a television, I want to dance, to stretch, to meditate on the floor, to do yoga freely or whatever the moment calls forth – I crave that space!

    So this post was so good for me to read from you – so good. Thank you for bringing to light such great topics and such timely ones too that make me reflect on my present state 🙂
    .-= Evita´s last post…Essential Energy with Cyndi Dale: The Secret Behind The Secret =-.

  • vered April 8, 2010, 8:37 pm

    “exhaust myself from too much busyness. ” This is happening to me a lot lately. Thank you for the reminder…

  • Rocky | R O C K O N O V A.COM April 8, 2010, 10:37 pm

    what up Tess !

    I know cleaning my car is definitely one of the most rewarding activities I do. It gets really really messy at times and when it looks empty afterwards, I am just like “YES!”

  • Lana - {Daring Clarity} April 8, 2010, 11:24 pm

    Dear Tess, what an inspiring post! I loved all the activities you listed and I am writing some of them down for myself. Go with the flow – has been my mantra for quite some time now. Thank you Tess!
    .-= Lana – {Daring Clarity}´s last post…Selling Sucks: the truth behind selling Your Thing. Your Art. Your Love. =-.

  • Chris Edgar April 9, 2010, 11:05 am

    Hi Tess — I could feel a weight lifting from my shoulders as I read through your post — I hope you had the same kind of experience. I know how cathartic writing a post about a frustration in my life can be — I guess that’s why many of us started blogging in the first place!

  • Tess Bold Life April 9, 2010, 1:23 pm

    Carolynn,
    There are infinite possibilities and what wisdom not wallowing in fear. If fear does come knocking tell it no one is home! Yes loved ones are always tops on my list in the gratitude department. I’m sending love and light. Let me know if I can do anything for you. xo

    Evita,
    You’re such a role model for everyone. And if guests do come you can always get a blow up mattress or rent a bed. Wise wise wise…we all need to follow in your footsteps, dancing, stretching and yoga-ing all the way!

    Vered,
    Yes and when that happens I ask myself what I’m trying to avoid or accomplish!!

    Rocky,
    It took me a long time to love a clean and clear car;)

    Lana,
    And you’re rowing gently down the stream. It’s clear from reading your blog.

    Chris,
    Yes isn’t that the truth. I decided to tell on myself more. I guess it’s working from the responses I’m getting. Thanks!
    .-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…Dragos Roua Entrepeneur and Author That Rocks! =-.

  • Mark April 9, 2010, 1:24 pm

    I love letting go of all the old baggage. I am a light traveler these days. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Great use of the quotes.
    .-= Mark´s last post…Love – It Gives You Wings! =-.

  • Belinda Munoz + The Halfway Point April 9, 2010, 3:06 pm

    Hi Tess, yes, absolutely! I’m pretty good about letting go of things (books are an exception and I’m trying to figure out why); of less than stellar results; of ideas; of anything that’s not life or death. It’s people that I struggle with the most. Friendships that are dying, I try to resuscitate, knowing that I’m just as guilty as the other person for its demise. Thanks for the wisdom.

  • Jim Greenwood April 9, 2010, 6:41 pm

    Hi Tess,
    I’m new here (I feel connected because my oldest daughter’s name is Tessa).
    Letting go, and its corollary, being open are the beginning of all possibilities.
    Without them action is impossible (or certainly more difficult). Small steps have worked for me as a path to being open (like slowly prying the door open) and I always saw the next step as action.

    That reminded me of a quote by Aristotle “All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire.” Anyone of which can cause letting go.

    Thanks for the stimulation. I’ll be back.
    Have fun,
    Jim
    .-= Jim Greenwood´s last post…Kids – You Gotta Love Em! =-.

  • Catrien Ross April 10, 2010, 1:08 am

    Tess, wonderful post and inspiring list. Letting go and inner cleansing seems very much in the air right now – probably a response to the stir of spring. The trees let go their blossoms, confident that new leaves follow, and the cycle of wonder and renewal repeats. Those cycles are in us, too – letting go creates space in us for the next phase of expression. I especially appreciate the timing of your post – I have needed just such a reminder of our inner ability to open, cleanse, and smile. Thank you from the mountains of Japan – Catrien Ross.
    .-= Catrien Ross´s last post…Catrien Ross on Finding 9 Powerful Meanings in Your Smile When You Don’t Feel Like Smiling =-.

  • Topi April 10, 2010, 5:37 am

    Hi Tess,
    Hot topic! I’ve just written a post about lightening my mental load. However, I didn’t get as far as figuring out how to do that (love your list!), so thanks for filling in that blank for me!
    As always, loved this post.
    Topi
    .-= Topi´s last post…Put the glass down =-.

  • Tess Bold Life April 10, 2010, 7:30 am

    Mark,
    Let’s stay light travelers forever OK. If we share wings we can lift each other and fly together if we get feeling heavy!

    Belinda,
    It’s the same with me and books. I’m a recovering bookaholic! And friendships oh my…I think I’ll blog about this! I’m not sure if friendships die out of fault to anyone. They die because it’s time to move on. Thanks for enjoying my blog.

    Jim,
    Letting and being open…how powerful are those few words. You’re writing has depth and I like it. And a daughter named Tessa…life doesn’t get much better than that! Thanks for commenting on my blog. I appreciate you taking the time to do that considering there are millions out there!

    Catrien,
    Open, cleanse and smile…POWERFUL! And from the mountains of AZ and the depth of my heart I appreciate your comment, time and friendship. I am open to the next phase of expression…what ever that is… xo

    Topi,
    I’m glad you found my list inspiring. Together may we all be lifted up and loved! Have a great weekend.
    .-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…Emotional Cleansing for Freedom and Joy =-.

  • Fatima Da April 10, 2010, 10:44 am

    Awesome post Tess, Love the quote from Thich Nhat Hanh ..letting go obviously can be a struggle and the end results of not doing so are sometimes not particularly nice. You have put together a great list of activities, each of which I believe can be leant to facilitate this process of letting go . I particularly love the idea of “Create something new”

    Thanks 🙂
    .-= Fatima Da´s last post…Are Your Personal Beliefs and Values Still Serving You? =-.

  • janice | Sharing the Journey April 11, 2010, 11:36 am

    Hi Tess,
    Great post, quotes – and as always – a cracking list! I’m fairly good at letting go and clearing out in my personal life, or at least knowing when it’s needed. Recently I’ve been practising using those same muscles with regard to blogging. I’ve been a lot happier since I let go of the notion that within one day I can visit everyone who visits me, read every blog I want to, comment on everything I enjoy, and still produce something worthwhile on my own blog. I’ve accepted that I’m a slow burn. I’ve even learned to temporarily unsubscribe when I take a week off, as well as close the laptop and comments, so that email alerts don’t clog my inbox. (I remember you got a returned email when my inboxes got full and started rejecting mail when I was unwell in December and January). I’d rather spend my time creating and connecting when I come back from the odd few days away than doing loads of inbox clearing out!
    .-= janice | Sharing the Journey´s last post…Some Insights on Editing… =-.

  • Alex Blackwell April 11, 2010, 2:41 pm

    Thanks for the challenge in this post Tess.

    Fear has been weighing me down lately. With just two years left before I turn 50, I’m beginning to feel anxious about the state of my life. It is clear I will not be a multimillionaire or a famous writer. I’m trying to find peace, and appreciation, with what I do have and to silence the fear. By letting go of the fear, I feel I will have done some important emotional cleaning.

    Alex

  • J.D. Meier April 11, 2010, 11:59 pm

    Here are a few of my favorite metaphors for letting go:
    – cut the dead wood
    – put your bags down (from Peaceful Warrior)
    – cut the ties that bind you

    I think the movie Up was a great example of moving forward.
    .-= J.D. Meier´s last post…Spring Cleaning Sources of Insight =-.

  • suzen April 12, 2010, 11:47 am

    Hi Tess! Late to the party here since I was away on vacation – trying to get caught up now with all you wonderful bloggers!

    Exceptional post! I’m all for dropping the baggage. It serves no purpose whatsoever. Travel lightly, I say! I honestly don’t know how people can carry all the luggage and get anywhere – gosh, what they MISS! That picture you put up is worth a million words isn’t it? But I love the quotes too! Thanks for this – always a great blog here!
    Hugs
    suZen

  • Samantha Sutton April 12, 2010, 8:15 pm

    I think letting go has a lot to do with releasing thoughts. Some can seem so compelling… but you really do have a choice to spend time with them or not. With practice, I find that I can sometimes put down a thought and choose which one I will pick up instead… with enough persistence, the old thought really does eventually give up and go away. Freedom. Letting go of destructive thoughts to embrace the new possibilities.
    .-= Samantha Sutton´s last post…The heaviness of tolerating =-.

  • Phil - Less Ordinary Llving April 13, 2010, 11:47 am

    Tess – as always an inspiring post. I’ve been writing a series of posts on mental spring cleaning and I think your post is totally in the spirit. We have so much dusty old rubbish in our mental attic and sorting them out is so cathartic. Thanks for some great suggestions on simplifying and lightening the load.

    Phil
    .-= Phil – Less Ordinary Llving´s last post…Secret Games We Play and How to Win Them =-.

  • Patricia April 14, 2010, 8:43 pm

    I seem to suffer at the point of overwhelmed…working on leaving that behind.
    another fabulous list and another one I printed to put up on my mirror…
    oh that old baggage
    .-= Patricia´s last post…Vacationing Vicariously =-.

  • Nea | Self Improvement Saga April 15, 2010, 1:58 pm

    Tess,

    When I feel weighed down it is usually because of my desire to fix everything. I may find that I’m feeling sad and overwhelmed after learning about someone neglecting a child, divorcing their spouse, hurting an animal, or contracting an illness.

    Internalizing those things that are out of my control has caused me a great deal of pain in the past. So, my journey toward emotional cleansing has included finding a way to clear my mind of the preoccupation with things that don’t line up with my dream for the world.
    .-= Nea | Self Improvement Saga´s last post…What Everyone Ought to Know About Gratitude and Appreciation =-.

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