Let It Go
Have you ever had a time in your life when it was hard to let go of something? Have you ever had a time when you knew it was time to move on, but for some reason, it was really hard to do so? This is a lesson that I have had to learn over and over. I have also watched many others struggle with this.
I won't lie...I have rewritten this post many times. Usually, each month I go to write a post and it tends to come more easily. I often know exactly what to write about. This month I knew my subject weeks in advance but had no idea what to write or if I should share a personal example.
Truth be told, I have had many times in my life that this principle has proved difficult for me. I have had to let go of past relationships, friends, mistakes I have made, and trials that were hard to get through without understanding why. I have many examples of needing to let go and then finally letting go.
I met a boy in my early 20's that I knew was THE one. He was everything I hoped for, all that I wanted in a companion, and treated me like I was all that mattered to him. The catch was that we met at a time that was inconvenient and I lived 1000's of miles away. However, we talked often and our relationship grew and grew. He was becoming my best friend and I knew I was falling hard for him.
Luckily, the feeling seemed mutual. Since we lived so far apart and were never "officially" dating - we dated other people. The more guys I dated, the more I wanted to date this one particular boy though.
He was finally coming to Utah where I was living at the time and I was thrilled to see him again. It had been a few months since we last saw each other. I knew he was dating people as well, but I wasn't concerned. Once he arrived in Utah I called to set up a time to see him so I could finally tell him how I truly felt. When I called him he surprised me with the news of being engaged to a girl he told me previously was just a friend. Heart broken does not begin to describe how I felt that day when he told me. I couldn't believe it!! I actually thought he was joking. Had I been played the entire time? He didn't even like this girl! What the heck just happened? Was this real life?
That was a big letting go moment. I never found out if he had liked me or if I was off my rocker. I had several people that saw us together say that they expected us to be engaged in no time and that we "just fit". Apparently he didn't feel the same way. It took a long time to let this one go. It did not help that we kept in contact for quite some time even after he was married. There was always a part of me holding on and thinking that he would come to his senses and realize he made a mistake. That moment never came.
When I finally did let go I realized that it was a huge blessing. I ended up married to the greatest guy in the world! At least that's what he is to me. I could not be happier than I am today. I have an incredible family and a husband that loves me dearly. I have been very blessed.
Sometimes things work out for a reason unknown to us but the reason is very clear to our Father in Heaven. We have to let go to see what He has in store for us down the road. It would be hard to bless someone that wasn't letting go of the past. They may have blinders on and are unable to recognize the great blessing that is in front of them.
Of course there are many times in life where we literally just have to let go and move on. Is it easy? No. Well, not always anyway.
I have had friends in the past that I have tried clawing my way back into their lives after they let me go for reasons unknown. It hurt bad to lose those friendships. Honestly, it was just as hard to finally let go and say goodbye to them. Sometimes letting go isn't because you want to but because you need to.
I won't lie...I have rewritten this post many times. Usually, each month I go to write a post and it tends to come more easily. I often know exactly what to write about. This month I knew my subject weeks in advance but had no idea what to write or if I should share a personal example.
Truth be told, I have had many times in my life that this principle has proved difficult for me. I have had to let go of past relationships, friends, mistakes I have made, and trials that were hard to get through without understanding why. I have many examples of needing to let go and then finally letting go.
I met a boy in my early 20's that I knew was THE one. He was everything I hoped for, all that I wanted in a companion, and treated me like I was all that mattered to him. The catch was that we met at a time that was inconvenient and I lived 1000's of miles away. However, we talked often and our relationship grew and grew. He was becoming my best friend and I knew I was falling hard for him.
Luckily, the feeling seemed mutual. Since we lived so far apart and were never "officially" dating - we dated other people. The more guys I dated, the more I wanted to date this one particular boy though.
He was finally coming to Utah where I was living at the time and I was thrilled to see him again. It had been a few months since we last saw each other. I knew he was dating people as well, but I wasn't concerned. Once he arrived in Utah I called to set up a time to see him so I could finally tell him how I truly felt. When I called him he surprised me with the news of being engaged to a girl he told me previously was just a friend. Heart broken does not begin to describe how I felt that day when he told me. I couldn't believe it!! I actually thought he was joking. Had I been played the entire time? He didn't even like this girl! What the heck just happened? Was this real life?
That was a big letting go moment. I never found out if he had liked me or if I was off my rocker. I had several people that saw us together say that they expected us to be engaged in no time and that we "just fit". Apparently he didn't feel the same way. It took a long time to let this one go. It did not help that we kept in contact for quite some time even after he was married. There was always a part of me holding on and thinking that he would come to his senses and realize he made a mistake. That moment never came.
When I finally did let go I realized that it was a huge blessing. I ended up married to the greatest guy in the world! At least that's what he is to me. I could not be happier than I am today. I have an incredible family and a husband that loves me dearly. I have been very blessed.
Sometimes things work out for a reason unknown to us but the reason is very clear to our Father in Heaven. We have to let go to see what He has in store for us down the road. It would be hard to bless someone that wasn't letting go of the past. They may have blinders on and are unable to recognize the great blessing that is in front of them.
Of course there are many times in life where we literally just have to let go and move on. Is it easy? No. Well, not always anyway.
I have had friends in the past that I have tried clawing my way back into their lives after they let me go for reasons unknown. It hurt bad to lose those friendships. Honestly, it was just as hard to finally let go and say goodbye to them. Sometimes letting go isn't because you want to but because you need to.
There will be times when things happen that you cannot change no matter how much you want them to. For instance, there are people that struggle with their pasts. It could be from abuse as a child, bullying, divorced parents, loss of a loved one, etc. Some things are completely out of our control and there is nothing we can do about it. However, you are in control of the attitude you maintain. You can walk away from one of these incidents a very negative person and constantly thinking the world owes you everything. Or, you can walk away from these things saying, "I will not let this define who I am." You can let go of the past hurt and move on.
Holding on to mistakes, past experiences, or any trial that comes across your way can only hurt you. The person that did whatever they did does not care, they moved on. If you hold onto that negativity you are letting them continue to win. Don't let them. Tell yourself that you are stronger than that and a happy life is more important to you. Let go of those things you have no control over. Your happiness is up to you...so decide now to be happy!
My challenge to you would be to find a way to be like Elsa from Frozen and let it go. I often turn to my Savior and ask for help and comfort during these harder times. Many times I do not know why things happen but it doesn't really matter. I know He will direct and guide me to where I need to be today. Many times he sends a friend to help get me through as well. When I let go, I am so much happier.
Don't get discouraged. Talk to your Father in Heaven and let Him know of your struggles. Remember, Jesus Christ suffered all things so He can run to you in times of need. He's there to help, so let Him. Don't try to do it on your own like I have done in the past. Don't hold on for long. Learn from my mistake and let it go earlier.
Questions to think about:
Can I let go? Why am I still holding on? What good is coming from holding on? Did I say I was sorry? Have I done all I can? Have I truly repented of this mistake?
Family Home Evening Ideas:
Talk about the importance of letting things go and that they will need to at some point in their lives. Keeping negative thoughts, people, mistakes in our lives does not make us stronger. We need to try our best to be positive and happy while we follow our Savior.
Activity: Everyone in the family gets a balloon. Have everyone blow up there balloon and tie it with a string. Take a small piece of paper (like a post-it) and write one thing down you are ready to let go off. Roll it up like a scroll and tie it to the balloon. Take the balloons outside and let them go! Watch them disappear and feel at peace. You can also take a sharpie and write directly on the balloon as well. Your kids will love this and you will feel so much better too!
For small children, have them write something that they are willing to work harder on such as not fighting with brother or sister, obeying the first time something is asked, playing well with others,etc.
Follow up from previous months:
I hope everyone was able to reach out to a friend this past month and if not do so this month. Everyone needs a friend! Also, Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's out there! I hope you were all spoiled rotten and received tons of hugs and kisses from your little ones.
