Healthy Living

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Learn to let go: Use this advice to make peace and move on

When something ends unexpectedly—a relationship, a job—it's natural to crave an explanation, and with it, closure. I know this from experience: A few years ago, a very good friend cut me off completely. I was devastated, but worse, years later, I was still obsessing over whether I could have mended the rift. “Women want to tie up loose ends because we have an irrational fear that letting something go means losing control,” says Larina Kase, Psy.D., a life coach in Philadelphia. I tried Kase's tips to free me from thoughts about my ex-pal. Use this advice whenever you need to come to terms with uncertainty.

STEAL A PEARL OF WISDOM
“Often we can't move on because we haven't yet learned what we're supposed to from a difficult situation,” Kase says. After contemplating whether I'd actually gained some insight from my suffering, I realized I now have a clearer sense of what I need (support) and don't need (capriciousness) from my inner circle.

TALK YOURSELF OUT OF IT
Jot down all the reasons you should stop brooding, then circle the most convincing one, Kase suggests. The best argument on my list: “I need to invest this energy in people who are truly there for me.” Repeat your statement to yourself if you start to stew.

DO A SLOW FADE

When painful feelings inevitably arise, “think of the emotions as a song on the radio and turn the volume down low,” Kase says. “It's not about forcing the feelings away but acknowledging them, then shifting your focus to something more productive.”

WRITE ON
Express yourself on paper, then destroy the evidence. “You will send yourself the message that you've accepted the situation,” Kase says. So I wrote a note telling my friend she'd hurt me. But before I shredded it, I realized I'd penned something shocking: “I forgive you.” Knowing I had that capacity freed me, finally, to do just that.

—Sarah Jio

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Comments 1-10 of 29
  • Bellisima's Avatar
    Posted by Bellisima Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:08pm PDT

    I agree.....and also the QTIP of life... Quit Taking It Personally.

    More times than you know... IT'S NOT EVEN YOU.

    Rejuvenate YOURSELF FIRST.... Then you can give back.

    Make yourself a retreat to meditate, your favorite spot can do wonders.

    It works wonders.

    Report Abuse
  • rhonda_b77's Avatar
    Posted by rhonda_b77 Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:00pm PDT

    Well now you no she was not a true good friend after all true friends do not do that to you.time heals all wounds and you know you are a good person that will have new friends come in your life we all go through something in our life that only makes us stronger.move on and let go life is to short.

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  • Selkie's Avatar
    Posted by Selkie Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:02pm PDT

    Oh no! Some people don't need to be forgiven. And I'm a forgiving person. But I have a situation right now that really pisses me off. And heck no, I'm not letting it go.

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  • freetoolondon's Avatar
    Posted by freetoolondon Sat Jul 26, 2008 5:03am PDT

    Sometimes time alone is best for self and others.Anyone should be forgiven over time when it is right for self.You have to love yourself before you love anyone else even friends and family. Laughter is the best medicine!

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  • kikyo r's Avatar
    Posted by kikyo r Sat Jul 26, 2008 10:03am PDT

    This is great advice, but it's much easier said than done. What happened to me is unforgivable. I have had my name slandered, my medical information leaked back to the media, and everyone else. I mean every big name you could possible think of. This had been going on for 3 years. Phones tapped, you name it, everything that could possibly violate a persons' civil rights has been done to me. I don't think I have to forgive anything. I think the leaking of my medical records was the last straw that made me want to fight back. I was suppose to launch my cosmetic business 3 years ago when this started. It has slowed the process, but now more than ever I want to make sure I launch it. Just to let whoever is responsible know that they didn't break me and that they did not stop a good thing.

    Report Abuse
  • usa n's Avatar
    Posted by usa n Sat Jul 26, 2008 10:04am PDT

    to be healthy in this world trust in God and yourself . Try it u will be more cheerful ich is the main panaciea of actual healthiness.

    Report Abuse
  • zairecomputer's Avatar
    Posted by zairecomputer Sat Jul 26, 2008 12:30pm PDT

    Thanks, All of these Comments have helped me a great deal. They are easier said than done. Have patience with yourself and learn to take it slow. The hurt will go alway with time.

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  • butterfly's Avatar
    Posted by butterfly Sat Jul 26, 2008 3:22pm PDT

    First and farmost I agree we do need to let go;you experience it,you dealt with it and now you close it with a golden seal. Don't never go back to such hurtful experiences.I have experience that pain and today I wish I had ran a country mile when my ex came back for the second time and the situation gotton worst. I been accuse,talk about, lie on, jealouses is the most dangerous skill you can ever experience. It make you believe a situation that never took place. However communication,understanding and a great deal of patience will carry you a long way in life.Get to know the mind of your partner and your heart will truly follow.

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  • Xocolate's Avatar
    Posted by Xocolate Sat Jul 26, 2008 5:10pm PDT

    I am in a similar situation right now myself. I need to let it go. I am going to use your tips. Thank you for this article.

    www.myfitchocolate.com

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  • sexybeautiful's Avatar
    Posted by sexybeautiful Sat Jul 26, 2008 5:54pm PDT

    i do agree with many comments given, but one particular is letting go do take time, and time will heal the heart and the mind.

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