How To Let Go without Guilt…
Are you feeling like it's time to let something GO… but you're feeling guilty? Maybe you’ve poured a lot of resources into a project, or you’ve spent money on something that you thought you wanted… but now you realize it’s not the right thing for you. In this post, I'm digging into how to let go WITHOUT the guilt…
Prefer to Listen? Press Play Below!
Recently, a client shared that she was letting something go — a REALLY BIG something. It’s a project that she poured time and money into, and she finally came to grips with the reality that it was something she felt like she needed to let go of. When she announced it on social media, I had a hunch that she might be feeling guilty about letting it go, due to the amount of time and money she’s spent on it. (I’ve been there!)
I wanted to dive into this idea, because I think it’s applicable to MORE than just her. We’ve all probably had moments where we feel guilty for letting something go… especially if it’s something that we’ve spent (or, you might say “wasted”) a lot of resources on.
If this sounds familiar, there might be something that you’re struggling to let go of! It could be a business, or a creative project. Maybe it’s those clothes that no longer fit your body (or your style!). The toys you bought your kids that they don’t play with anymore. Or, maybe it’s the job you hate, but… you spent so much money and time getting that degree! 😩
So… how do you let go without the guilt?
It’s a HEALTHY sign of growth.
I need you to remember that it is NORMAL and HEALTHY to outgrow things! A few years after I got married, I outgrew my normal “fashion.” I had always loved vintage, retro fashion, and all of the sudden… I just didn’t love it anymore. It felt SO weird. Because it felt weird, and I didn’t know what my new style was, I hung onto a closet full of clothes that I didn’t want to wear… because, I felt guilty!
It’s often when we LET GO of things that we grow to another level, or uncover a new passion that leads us on another amazing journey! That pull to let something grow might actually be leading you to a new step of growth… so take some time to remind yourself that it’s okay to feel ready to grow and change.
Get clear on your WHY.
If you’re feeling guilt over letting something go, there’s good chance you’re not clear on WHY you’re ready to move on. This is a great time to get curious, and honest with yourself. Ask yourself WHY you think it’s the right time to let this thing go? Why are you longing to move on? Is this thing pulling you away from what matters most? Is it wasting your time? Have you just lost interest?
It’s OKAY if you’ve lost interest, or if you want to quit for no reason other than you hate it. 🤷🏻♀️ Understanding WHY you’re feeling the tug to walk away can help you find clarity in your choice to finally set it down. (and let go of the guilt, too!)
Decide what MATTERS.
If you find yourself getting stuck in that “guilt-loop,” then you’re probably constantly re-hashing all the reasons WHY or WHY NOT you should release this thing. And I don’t want you to get stuck there! So, once you’ve gotten clear on your WHY, it’s a REALLY good idea to shift your focus. I want you to think about what matters MOST — your TOP VALUES. Things like your relationships, health, work, creativity, etc.
When you shift your focus to what matters, it can actually help you solidify the decision to let it go! These values act like “filters” or “guides.” Let’s say you’re hanging on a job that isn’t working for you anymore. You realize that you values are peace, connection, and living a slower pace of life… suddenly, all the stress you feel from the that high-pressure job makes a lot more sense!
LISTEN to your GUT.
A few years ago, I was running a t-shirt business. Now, I still love a good graphic tee (and I still have a few in my shop!), but a few years into this business, I had a STRONG gut feeling that I needed to pull my merchandise out of a local shop, and close that aspect of my business. I call these “Holy Spirit Nudges” and… it was REALLY hard to walk away. I felt like I had failed, AND I had just spent several hundred dollars on new product. How could I just walk away?
But, I knew that it was God who was nudging me in that direction. And it turned out to be the BEST decision ever, because it gave me space to figure out what I was really being called to do — and that’s THIS work that I get to do now! I really believe that we are all here for a reason, and the things we are drawn toward (or pulled away from!) help to guide our journey, and allow us to grow into the people God designed us to be. So, listen to the gut feelings, because you never know where they may lead you. ☺️
It’s time to LET GO!!!
All of the previous points should help you walk through the process of letting this go. Please hear me: It is normal to feel sad, or torn. It’s normal to have negative thoughts and second-guess your decision! It’s normal to feel guilty about the money spent or the time you “wasted.” BUT: once you’ve made those decisions, it’s time to walk it out and LET IT GO.
This is going to be a process, so you may have several seasons of letting it go – there will be times when that decision comes back to “haunt” you, or moments when you regret it. Leaning into the previous four steps can help you ground yourself on the reasons WHY it was the right choice for you, and that will be SO helpful as you walk out the letting-go process!
I really hope this has been helpful and encouraging — it can feel super uncomfortable, but I can promise you this: It will be SO worth it to let this go, and allow yourself to grow into the person you’ve been created to be. 🌿
Do you need some extra support?
Join me for a Wonder Session!
You'll get a ½ hour chat with me to talk about your mindset, intentional living, or whatever — no strings attached. 😉