Inhale Love, Exhale Hate

"In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you."

~Buddha

As I've grown older and more aware of what I want and need in my life, I have realized the importance of letting go. By letting go I mean releasing anything and anyone that no longer benefits you, brings you up or fills your heart with joy. There comes a time in life that you no longer have the energy or time to waste on anything not meant for you.

Letting go can be tricky for everyone because we hold onto certain people or things that are comfortable or familiar. But if that thing/person is only bringing you down or not letting you reach your full potential or happiness, what is the point? Once you can ask yourself this question and then determine the answer, you learn to release anything that is no longer meant for you.

I've recently been practicing yoga and trying to understand the deeper meaning of it or the symbolism that it really represents. In one of my classes, the instructor closed the class with a simple statement that I found to be simple yet profound. He said, "Think of this final pose as the end or death of the practice for today. If there is anything you are ready to release and let go, now is the time. You can then start fresh." What he said was common sense, like "oh let go of any negativity, let it die, and move forward." but as I thought about it, I became aware of all the thoughts, relationships, and ideas that I needed to reevaluate and release from my life. In order to let in room for the good and positive in our lives, we must release all that is no longer benefiting us in a positive way.

In the last year of my life, I have begun to let go of the negative people that for so long I clung onto because I thought I needed them. I've learned how to let thoughts go that I have no control over and I have found a new sense of happiness and peace in the process. By eliminating the toxic relationships and thoughts that we cling to, we make room for that which brings us joy and satisfaction in our lives. No one needs a narcissistic friend who only cares about their own well-being and not the well-being of you or a love that brings you down and makes you feel any less than you are. We should only keep that which feeds our souls, makes us feel whole and produces a sense of happiness. With this you can become aware of the people that are good for your soul and you make room for new, loving people and experiences to come in. Anything that brings you down, discourages you or causes you sadness, let it go and release it from your life. When you are able to do this, you will see yourself and life in a whole new, brighter light.