How do you feel after watching the news? Do you feel uplifted, inspired, and ready to conquer the world? If you’re like me, you feel disgusted, frustrated, stressed, and depressed. That is why I stopped watching the news years ago. I make a conscious effort to stay positive throughout the day. Watching the news makes it challenging for me to stay positive. Yes, I may be uninformed about certain things, but that’s okay. If it’s a big enough issue, I’ll hear about it from someone else.
Over the past couple of years I’ve made significant improvement in letting go of things outside of my control. I’m still a work in progress. Are you spending too much time and energy on those things outside of your control? Are you anxious, stressed, depressed, or frustrated? Do you find it difficult to focus on the positive? If the answer is yes, it’s time to let go and focus on what you can control.
Here are some tips for letting go.
1) Focus on the positive. Start by practicing gratitude. What is one thing you’re thankful for? Keep a gratitude journal by your bed.
2) Practice mindfulness. Become aware of where you are and what you’re doing, without becoming overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around you. Be present. Approach your observations with curiosity, not judgment.
3) Visualize a desired outcome. Let go of what could go wrong.
4) Set boundaries. Be intentional about how you spend your time and who you spend it with.
5) Create a fear list. What are you most fearful of? Writing down your fears brings them to light. Most often our fears are unrealistic.
6) Get support. If letting go is a struggle, reach out to a close friend, family member, pastor, or coach.
Letting go of what’s outside of your control takes practice. You will have good days and more challenging days. Appreciate that you’re a work in progress. Don’t pass judgment on yourself. Embrace where you are. After all, you’re human.
