I’ve been let go. You’ve been let go.

We’ve all been let go.

Whether we are dumped from a romantic relationship or marriage, fired from a job or disowned by a family member, it hurts to be let go.

It’s a punch to the pride, a swift kick to the dignity. Depending on the perceived importance of the person who or organization that did the letting go, being “ditched” or “released from duty” or told, “It’s not you; it’s me!” will take some serious processing to get over.

It can be helpful to realize (remember) that letting go is a two-way street.

Sometimes, we force the other party to get rid of us through conscious or unconscious passive-aggressive behavior.

Sometimes we are too afraid to do the letting go ourselves, so we create a situation in which the other party has almost no choice but to do so.

Still, being let go suddenly from a job or partnership or any sort of relationship often feels like a shock.

It’s a cinch to fall into the trap of playing the victim and crying woe is me.

But that’s a complete waste of time.

What happened happened. You were let go. It didn’t work out. It’s over.

Yes, allow yourself the time and space to grieve your loss.

Now is the time to focus on positivity and productivity as best you can.

Seek out friends and advocates. Surround yourself with enthusiastic, kind people. Limit your interactions with Debby Downers, including your mom and your best friend from high school, if necessary. Tell them you love them but you need them to be more supportive if your relationship is to continue.

It often seems like we are wired to focus on the negative, to be consumed with worry and to obsess over petty details.

However, through a daily practice of mindfulness, compassion and kindness—however that looks for you—we can begin to peel away the layers of negativity and let our authentic light shine out into the world.

Here are some wisdom quotes to inspire you to let go of being let go.

“Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.” ~ Steve Maraboli

“It’s hard to let go. Even when what you’re holding onto is full of thorns, it’s hard to let go. Maybe especially then.” ~ Stephen King,

“There will always be someone willing to hurt you, put you down, gossip about you, belittle your accomplishments and judge your soul. It is a fact that we all must face. However, if you realize that God is a best friend that stands beside you when others cast stones you will never be afraid, never feel worthless and never feel alone.” ~ Shannon L. Alder

“Don’t marry an orange and expect him to turn into an apple. If you want an orange, great. If not, put him back in the proverbial fruit bowl for someone else to enjoy and move on.” ~ Amy E. Spiegel

“If you try to tame her she will fly away, because pretty little spirits like her never like to be caged.” ~ Nikki Rowe

“Letting go is never a sign of failure, letting go is knowing what battle to fight and what battle to “let it be.” Letting go doesn’t mean that you don’t care anymore, it is just directing your false hope to something more worthy of your emotions, energy and time. Letting go is simply taking charge and control over yourself rather than fighting windmills like a modern day Don Quixote.” ~ Zena Abou Alnaser
 
 

Elizabeth Gilbert‘s Instructions for freedom:

1. Life’s metaphors are God’s instructions.

2. You have just climbed up and above the roof, there is nothing between you and the Infinite; now, let go.

3. The day is ending, it’s time for something that was beautiful to turn into something else that is beautiful. Now, let go.

4. Your wish for resolution was a prayer. You are being here is God’s response, let go and watch the stars come out, inside and outside.

5. With all your heart ask for Grace and let go.

6. With all your heart forgive him, forgive yourself and let him go.

7. Let your intention be freedom from useless suffering then, let go.

8. Watch the heat of day pass into the cold night, let go.

9. When the Karma of a relationship is done, only Love remains. It’s safe, let go.

10. When the past has passed from you at last, let go, then climb down and begin the rest of your life with great joy.”

 

 

 

 

 

Relephant:

I’m a F*cking Unicorn. (Or 10 Things to Do When You Get Fired for the First Time.) 

 

Let Go or Be Dragged.

 

 

Author: Michelle Margaret Fajkus

Editor: Renee Picard

Image: Nimit Nigam at Pixoto