This paraphrased quote from Toni Morrison speaks to so much that gets in our way in our lives. Whether it’s an excess of physical stuff, an overburdened schedule, a miles-long to-do list, negative self-talk, unhealthy habits, or toxic relationships, letting stuff go is the key to being able to soar in our lives. One of the first things I do when I work with a new organizing or productivity client is to talk about goals – both long and short-term. Sometimes those goals are related to creating more physical space, or opening up more time in their day for longed-for priorities, but it almost always begins with an honest discussion about what’s been getting in the way. Often that means figuring out what to let go and how to do it. It’s a different process for everyone, but it’s where we all need to start.
She let go.
She let go. Without a thought or a word, she let go.
She let go of the fear.
She let go of the judgments.
She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head.
She let go of the committee of indecision within her.
She let go of all the “right” reasons.
Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go.
She didn’t ask anyone for advice.
She didn’t read a book on how to let go.
She didn’t search the Scriptures.
She just let go.
She let go of all of the memories that held her back.
She let go of all of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward.
She let go of the planning and all of the calculations about how to do it just right.
She didn’t promise to let go.
She didn’t journal about it.
She didn’t write the projected date in her Day-Timer.
She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper.
She didn’t check the weather report or read her daily horoscope.
She just let go.
She didn’t analyze whether she should let go.
She didn’t call her friends to discuss the matter.
She didn’t do a five-step Spiritual Mind Treatment.
She didn’t call the prayer line.
She didn’t utter one word.
She just let go.
No one was around when it happened.
There was no applause or congratulations.
No one thanked her or praised her.
No one noticed a thing.
Like a leaf falling from a tree, she just let go.
There was no effort.
There was no struggle.
It wasn’t good and it wasn’t bad.
It was what it was, and it is just that.
In the space of letting go, she let it all be.
A small smile came over her face.
A light breeze blew through her. And the sun and the moon shone forever more…
~ Ernest Holmes
