“If you want change, you have to change.”
This simple yet powerful quotation is so true. When it comes to change, something has to give. You have to let go of something in order to change. This might be a thought, a belief, a habit, a person, an emotion, a feeling, attachment to an experience…
Much resistance can arise during this process. Change can be scary at times. You get comfortable being who and where we are, and even if you recognize that it may be in a negative place, the fear of ‘new’ or what you don’t know can out-weigh the motivation to move forward.
Even if you have decided to go forth, let go and move forward, sometimes it’s the “How?” that keeps you in place.
Here is a simple yet powerful way to get started:
Take 2 pieces of paper.
On one make a list of your ideal “thing” you want.
On the other, make a list of all the things you need to let go of in order to get there. Add anything negative that comes up such as feelings, emotions, ‘what-if’s, doubts….
Here is an example of changing jobs:
Ideal Job:
– in ‘helping’ field.
– working with children in education
– manager that acknowledges my contributions
– fun place to work (happy and calm)
– co-workers who pull own weight
– pays at least $24.00 / hour
– working only 40 hours a week, Mon-Fri, 9-5.
– paid vacations, health benefits
– within 4 kms of home so I can bike
– be fulfilled and content with my work
– look forward to starting each day
What I need to Let Go of:
– fear of not finding work if I leave present job
– doubt – that there are ‘no jobs’ out there
– negative attitude about my present job
– feeling not good enough
– belief I will always ‘just get by’ financially
– my lack of appreciation & gratitude for others at my job
– fear of not being able to move forward
– fear of not knowing how to change
– lack of trust & doubts that everything will be good
– my lack of self esteem
– procrastination & lack of motivation
Now take both these lists and burn them.
I recommend doing this outside (but not around nature that could easily catch fire).
Hold each piece of paper with a set of tongs before lighting it on fire.
As you do this, take in a long deep breath say to yourself:
“Thank you for this past experience in my life,
I am sure it has served me in some way,
but I now choose to release it and move forward.
Even though I may not know how,
I give myself permission to let go of anything negative holding me back.
I welcome positive experiences to come into my life
I am loved, needed and valued.”
