Clinical Minute: A Journey of Self-Reflection and Release

Every autumn, trees shed their leaves to preserve their nutrients and survive the winter. Letting go of their leaves offers hope for a fresh start in the Spring. This change in season invites us to reflect on letting go and refocusing on personal growth. 

For many clients in a season of waiting, letting go may not seem like a viable option. However, letting go doesn't mean giving up. It's about acknowledging our emotions without resistance or judgment. Letting go of distressing thoughts and tuning in to our emotions can provide us with some clues about what we need to cope and feel better in the moment. It's a relief, a lightening 

of the load, not a surrender. 

Let's say you have a mandatory work dinner with your difficult manager. You might think, "This person is so difficult, and I really don't feel like being around them for all these hours after work." Dwelling on that thought only increases our distress, because we feel resentful and powerless to change the situation. But if we let go of the thought and focus instead on the feeling, we are able to untangle ourselves from the idea that we are stuck. When we accept the feelings in this example, resentfulness, and powerlessness, we create space to consider what is truly important to us and what will help us feel more aligned. This is not about giving in; it's about taking control and making choices that empower us. Ultimately, by letting go of negative attachments and expectations we create space for us to grow. 

Being mindful of our emotions minimizes the looming stress we experience. It also allows us to be more flexible and creative about how we approach difficult situations. With practice, learning to let go and accept our feelings helps us create a more meaningful life.