Letting Go……….What Autumn & Nature can Teach us
Autumn (or Fall) is the season between summer and winter, and we see the leaves changing color, and it’s also harvest season. It’s a time for reflection, introspection and letting go. I see this in my work as a Life Coach NYC, Mindset Coach & Hypnotherapist. The leaves of the trees falling (this is where the word ‘fall’ comes from) is just a metaphor for the natural act of letting go, in order to change, learn and grow, for the improvement of our body, brain/mind, soul and spirit.
We humans are a part of nature, and we mirror its different seasons and cycles. Our physical world changes and this sparks changes in our personal lives, too. So, autumn, which just started with the autumnal equinox, is a good time to start practicing letting go. We have to shed our old ‘leaves’, ie: unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, people and relationships that are not supportive (or are even, toxic), work that we dislike or that doesn’t align with us and more.
It’s the time to get career clarity, relationship clarity and growth, awareness of your purpose(s) and to start taking the action toward it (them).
It’s time to let go and also, to look inside and take stock of and assess who and what you want to BE and to DO, in this wonderful, unique and too-short life we each have. You also want to celebrate your successes, even the small ones.
“Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on. “ -Eckhart Tolle
To be able to make new decisions and take the leap to let go; of people, habits, emotions and even, lifestyles, that don’t work for you, takes courage, strength and chutzpah. New beginnings and change can be difficult and challenging and require a growth mindset: a flexible mindset, understanding that we’re always changing, learning and growing (as opposed to a fixed mindset).
I know this can be tough because I, personally, have a hard time, especially when it comes to letting go of people, who I’ve known for years. Though I’m in the generation of baby boomers, it’s not until recently that I started letting go of people who were negative, unsupportive and not doing their part (even just a bit) in the relationship. As I get older, I’m aware that I have less time here on earth, to waste and I only want to be with those who want to be with me and who are kind, caring and supportive.
There’s so much we can be and do in this life of ours; don’t waste your time or energy! As a Life Coach NY, Mindset Expert and Hypnotherapist, I can tell you that one of the primary things my clients and most others regret, at the end of their lives, is not having lived their authentic lives. Instead, they wasted time and energy on others’ ideas of what their life ‘should’ be. It’s time to get away and break out of the ‘shoulds’ and reassess, rediscover and enjoy the true you. Others will, too!
It’s not often easy to release things and people, but it is necessary to stop clinging to things and people you no longer need (or desire) in your life and your world.
Here are some HELPFUL TIPS for LETTING GO:
1)Decide what & who are really important.
When you step back and look, you’ll realize that there are not many things that are essential. What is essential is being surrounded by support, love, health, positive attitudes, mindfulness and living life to your fullest; the life that you choose and consider successful.
I’ve found, as I get older, that inner peace is of great importance….maybe you have, too?
2)Consider what you’re holding on to; is it necessity and love or fear and scarcity?
Answering this question will allow you to let go of what you don’t need.
3)Look for SIGNS:
First, feel the sensations in your body. If a role, habit, job, person, makes your body tight and anxious, and your mind upset, it’s often a sign that it’s not for you. If your body responds with a sense of peace or pleasant tingling, this may be a signal that it’s good for you and your life.
4)Celebrate Small SUCCESSES
I give all my Life & Mindset Coaching clients an exercise to ‘pat yourself on the back,’ several times/day, even for a small success: thinking a new, healthier thought or organizing your closet or reaching out to those who may need help or just a kind word, and more.
5)It’s Destructive
Behaviors like perfectionism (I’m guilty of this one and am letting go of it…….), procrastination, sabotaging relationships and other beliefs and habits, can be destructive to your personal and professional life, and for those around you, too.
6)It’s not PRODUCTIVE.
***REMINDER: You don’t have to be constantly productive; you’re allowed to just BE!
7)Assess the BENEFITS
Ask yourself if a person or thing or ritual, etc., adds value to your life. Is your life richer for having the right people or work or hobbies or home clutter in your life? Answering these questions will allow you to more easily release what and who no longer works for you.
8)ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Here are some questions you might want to answer:
-What did I accomplish this year that I’m proud of? These may be thoughts, behaviors, material, spiritual, etc., accomplishments.
-What do I want to complete before the year is over? Take stock of your desires and passion projects!
-What do I want to say goodbye to?
9)Release FEAR & EXPECTATIONS!
***REMINDER:
Part of this yearly ritual of letting go is preparing for something new to come. You must clear out and open up the space (in every way) for the new to find its way in.
When you’re willing to let go and move forward, you often ‘fall into’ or find what’s better for you and for your life.
It’s the time to let go of what’s done and completed in your life and to make the room for the new: dreams, adventures, learning, fun and more.
Be Curious; Let Go & Move toward your Dreams!
“Holding on is believing that there’s only a past; letting go is knowing that there’s a future.”
-----Daphne Rose Kingma
With smiles & love,
Dr Gigi
PS: Are you having trouble letting go? No problem…..
If you need motivation, accountability, support or just a safe space to share, just sign up for your free Clarity Call with me at this link.
Improve your Thoughts, Improve & Transform your Life