One of the hardest but most productive lessons to learn in life is to let go.
Whether it is guilt, anger, sadness, loss, worry, betrayal and even stress--you can't change the events that caused these emotions, but hold on to them and they will hold you back for sure.
You may find yourself replaying past mistakes in your head, wallowing in guilt that you are unable to rise above your feelings of shame and regret. You could be so angry or sad over something or someone that you become so fixated on your feeling; letting it fester until it overwhelms you.
Think of these negative feelings as a hump on the road that--if left to compound--will become your giant roadblock. You can choose to stand there and let it get in the way. Or you can choose to find your way around it; remove it so you can move on.
The feeling of attachment is something that is second nature to us. Growing up, we have formed bonds with our families, friends, and even with other people whose relationships with us give us a sense of identity. Perhaps this is why we hold on to people, experiences and even feelings even though they are no longer healthy for us.
When you are holding on to something that you don't need or is no longer rational - let it go. I know it sounds difficult, but it is not impossible.
When you cling on to hurts and pains, you are not only allowing these feelings to affect you mentally and emotionally, but physically as well.
Negative feelings leave you stressed, and when you are stressed, you have increased tension in the muscles that can lead to headaches, muscle pain and other health issues. By learning to let go of your worries and negative feelings, you are clearing the way to a healthier, more enjoyable life.
There are various techniques to help you relax and let go of your worries, such as breathing exercises, hypnosis and even physical approaches like getting a massage or doing yoga exercises. It is easy to let go of mental and emotional tension if you are physically ready to do it, too.
But don't stop there. Take a practical approach towards conquering your emotional roadblocks.
Channel your negative feelings into some positive action. Learn a new skill. Do some volunteer work. Exercise at the gym. Whatever it is that will bring a smile to your lips and put some spring back in your steps. Feel good about yourself and what you have accomplished.
Find a creative outlet for your feelings, like painting, writing or even cooking. Consider it a visual reminder of how you have chosen to let go of these feelings.
Learn to laugh. Laughter really is the best medicine. It releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, which relieves physical tension and stress. Laughter is a priceless way of boosting your energy and decreasing your stress levels. It's fun, too.
Finally, change your perspective. Look at your experience as a learning process. Remember the good and the bad and what you have learned from the experience. This may help you gain closure. It is okay to be sad, angry or hurt for some time but you can't be that for the rest of your life. You owe it to yourself to move on. Visualise an empowered, awesome you and make those steps forward.
Examine your emotional hurts, understand them and then put them in a box and move on. Don't carry that extra baggage. Let it go.