10 Things New Year
Opinion

10 Things to Let Go of Before the New Year

How much stress are you carrying around? Do you feel burdened by life’s circumstances and emotional issues? Is school work, projects and studying sending you over the edge?

The key to becoming happier and more grounded begins with letting go. Letting go of worry and stress is something I have tried to do more in my own life, as I continue a journey of overcoming obstacles and personal challenges. Emotionally, physically and spiritually, I am learning to let go of a lot of things to become the person I am, and the person I want to be. Letting go can be scary, but it is an amazing act of self-love that can sometimes be overlooked.

We may find ourselves reaching a breaking point. Some days don’t go the way we plan, and many things don’t work out in our favor. We know that the next person we encounter, just might feel the wrath of our anger and frustration.

Letting go of my worries and stress has made a difference for me; of course, I still have moments filled with stressfulness, but in an ever-changing world, what else can I possibly expect? Every time I catch myself entering a bout of stress-induced irritability, I take a deep breath and do my best to let it GO. Today, I encourage you to do the same.

Today is the oldest you’ve ever been and the youngest you will ever be again. It’s kind of a scary thought, but it’s true. If there was ever a perfect day to start letting go of the needless drama and stress that’s been holding you back, that day is today. And since we often use the New Year as a starting point to refresh our personal growth and goal setting, I challenge you this:

Before the New Year…

  1. 1. Let go of what isn’t helping your soul smile and grow. Life is to be enjoyed, not endured. Follow a path that moves you. You are always free to do something that makes you smile.
  2. 2. Let go of the baggage you know you need to leave behind. As we grow and learn from our experiences, we begin to realize what we need and what we need to leave behind. Sometimes walking away is a step forward.
  3. 3. Let go of feeling like you aren’t making progress fast enough. No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, whether it be in your studies or in your personal life, you are still a step ahead of everyone who isn’t trying at all.
  4. 4. Let go of the idea that you have too much to lose. In the end, you won’t regret the things you’ve done nearly as much as the things you didn’t do when you had the chance. Personally, I’d rather have a life of “OH WELLS” than a life of “WHAT IFS.” Wouldn’t you?
  5. 5. Let go of worrying about everyone else’s opinions of your life. Like Natasha Bedingfield said, “The pen is in your hands, the rest is still unwritten.” Don’t run around trying to please everyone. If you do, you won’t be tuned into who you are, and what you want!
  6. 6. Let go of your tendency to avoid problems. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. If you and a friend are in a tiff, why not try to fix it? If not for the friendship, for yourself.
  7. 7. Let go of all your empty complaints. If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change something yourself, then change the way you think about it.
  8. 8. Let go of the excuses. If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.
  9. 9. Let go of lazy attitudes and routines. You can’t underestimate a person who always works hard. Be that person. In life, you don’t get what you wish for; you get what you work for. Don’t expect a good grade, earn it.
  10. 10. Let go of the idea that it’s too late to start over again. Even classes can be retaken, remember, it’s always better to be at the bottom of the ladder you want to climb than the top of the one you don’t. Don’t think your cut out for the major you once loved? Switch it. Can’t figure out a problem? Start over.

If you read this list and are struggling, know that you are not alone. Many people, myself included, are working hard to feel better, think more clearly, and live a life free of headaches and heartache. You don’t want to look back and wonder what could have been, you have the power to make a difference in your own life, now. Embrace the New Year not by forgetting, but by letting go.

PHOTO TAKEN by Caroline Mattise