The freedom of letting go

Photo of my dad and mom provided by my mom, Patricia LaBean

Today was my Dad's 71st birthday. I miss him terribly! He passed in 2008 and if it wasn't for my Mom's voice mail, I don't think I could even remember what his voice sounds like. It is really hard for me. I'm lucky I had a great relationship with him as an adult. I feel like I made him proud and I was actively involved in his life all the way until his last breath; I was there, with him, as often as possible. It was my fear he would pass by himself which thankfully didn't happen. I'm sure I would have had a much more difficult time in the aftermath of his death, had I felt guilty about things. I pray for anyone suffering with guilt or regret connected to a loved one who has passed. I hope the article helps soothe this pain! As for me, I know I can always close my eyes and find my dad imprinted into my memories and my heart! This is what was happening in my life, which inspired the article posted below but originally on Examiner.com before they closed their Internet doors and pulled the content.

The Freedom of Letting Go

Are you haunted by an unspoken truth or imprisoned by guilt from something you did or did not do in the past?  This dark secret can cripple you mentally creating negative energy that keeps you from living your deserving, healthiest potential.  

Ease your mind and mend your spirit with the freedom of letting go.  Live for this and choose to release painful thoughts when you recognize them.  Freedom is not being subject to or affected by a particular thing, especially something undesirable as defined by the Encarta Dictionary. 

Welcome this concept to start your healing process.  Recognize you are human and you’re not perfect.  Even at your best, you will make mistakes.  If you’re not, you are not embracing life fully.  Give yourself a break, forgiving you first and then others; apologize if necessary regardless if the person is not longer in the living; write them a letter.  Let go of any unrealistic expectations and bring yourself back into the present moment when you find yourself stolen into the past.  Address life as it comes and do not let the negativity fester.  If you’re not able to confront a problem, learn to vent in a healthy way; either through friends, family, a professional or by writing it down and burning it as a way to release any negative thoughts. 

Enable your healthy life by freeing guilt, regret or shame.  Learn to “let it go” and allow this philosophy to be the wholesome foundation for moving forward. Remember, this is a process so when intrusive thoughts pop in, remind yourself you have chose to let go and work your coping tools like deep breathing or meditation to de-escalate any heightened feelings!