Are you finding It hard to let go?
Last week, a friend invited me to her home for a Samhain ceremony – a tradition I hadn’t encountered before and wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I learned that it marks the end of the harvest season and serves as a time for reflection, letting go, and making space for new beginnings.
As it turned out, it was just what I needed.
We began with a meditation, and then, by candlelight, each of us wrote a letter – an invitation to release something or someone we’d been holding onto. For me, it was a friend I had lost earlier in the year. I hadn’t realised how much I needed that space until I allowed myself to fully engage with it. The words I needed to say – and hear – began to flow naturally onto the page.
Afterwards, we shared our experiences and reflected on how we might move forward. By the end of the ceremony, I felt lighter, calmer, and more at peace.
Maybe you’re in a similar place—sensing that it’s time to let go of something?
What Holding On Can Look Like
When we’re holding onto something we’re not meant to carry anymore, it can feel like we’re caught between worlds—one foot in the past, the other trying to step into the future. Our minds loop back to a person, a situation, or a “what if?” moment, even when we’re trying to move on. It could be a memory triggered by a photo, a song, or a conversation—suddenly you’re back in that emotional space.
There’s nothing wrong with honouring the past. But when it keeps us from being present—or leaves us feeling stuck, sad, or unsettled—it can weigh us down and block new energy from entering our lives.
Making Space for What’s Next
If you’re ready to start letting go, here are a few gentle steps to help you begin:
1. Recognise What You’re Holding Onto
Take a quiet moment to reflect: Where in your life are you feeling stuck, heavy, or unsettled? Is it a relationship, a role, or a version of yourself you’ve outgrown? Naming it is often the first act of release.
2. Visualise a New Beginning
Imagine what life could feel like if you let this go. What space might open up—for creativity, connection, peace? What could shift if you stopped carrying this weight?
3. Write It Down
Writing can be a powerful release. Try writing a letter to the person, memory, or part of yourself you’re ready to let go of. Say what you need to say. Acknowledge it. Then let the letter go—burn it (safely!), tear it up, or bury it. It’s not about the ritual—it’s about the intention.
4. Be Compassionate With Yourself
Letting go is rarely tidy. It can feel like a grief process—with moments of clarity and days where the past pulls you back in. This is normal. Be kind to yourself and allow the process to unfold in its own time. Self-compassion is your greatest ally here.
Journaling Prompts: Creating Space for What’s Next
If you’d like to explore this more deeply, here are some prompts to support your journey:
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Daily Check-In: What feelings or thoughts am I holding onto today? How are they shaping my mood or choices?
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Reflect on Progress: What small step did I take today to move forward?
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Gratitude for the Present: What are three things I appreciate right now?
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Intentional Self-Care: What do I need today? What act of kindness can I offer myself?
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Visualise Your Next Step: What do I envision for my life over the next month? What could I do today to make space for that?
A Love Note From Your Inner Wise Self
As you let go of what no longer serves you, you create room for the new beginnings that are waiting to unfold. The process may feel messy and uncomfortable at times, but with each step, you’re building a life that feels lighter, truer, and more aligned.
You’ve got this.
“Let go of the past and go for the future. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
