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Originally Posted On: https://lifesfinewhine.ca/2024/05/11/why-letting-go-can-be-essential-for-your-mental-well-being/
Today, I wanted to talk about why letting go can be essential for your mental well-being. Over the years, I’ve let go of a lot of people. Friends, family members. It’s no fun, but sometimes, it’s necessary.
Humans are social creatures, and while showing self-love to ourselves is wonderful, sometimes it’s better to get that love and validation from someone else. Specifically those who are closer to us. Like a partner, a close friend, or even a family member. Relationships are the cornerstone of every person’s life. They shape our experiences and influence our emotional well-being. Whether they’re romantic, familial, or platonic, connections with others play a significant role in our lives.
Relationships can be good, they can be fantastic, and again, humans need them. However, there comes a time when holding onto certain relationships may do more harm than good. In these instances, letting go can be an act of self-compassion and a crucial step towards better mental health. It can be hard to let go; there are those “what ifs,” and this is a society that’s pro-relationships.
Plus, there’s always hope, and there are always methods to keep a relationship strong or back to how it was, such as relationship therapy. Sometimes, these can be fantastic, but of course, it depends on the relationship and who the other party is. Sometimes, this therapy works when both parties want to make an effort, but what if the other party doesn’t want to bother?
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What if this is a bad friendship where someone doesn’t think about your feelings? What if this is a relationship with an abusive family member? And what if this is a partner who lacks remorse for their bad actions?
Not every relationship is worth salvaging, especially if it’s wearing you down and you’re just an empty shell of who you once were. If you’re not benefiting, then what’s the point? So, with that said, here’s why letting go can be essential for your mental well-being.
Recognising a Need for Change
It’s not always easy to admit that a relationship isn’t serving you well. You might find yourself making excuses for the other person’s behavior or holding onto the hope that things will improve. While that hope is what’s keeping you going, it’s what’s hurting you too. That’s why you need to focus on acknowledging that when a relationship is causing more harm than good, it is the first step towards positive change.
Your Well-Being Needs to Come First
Seriously, your mental health should always be a top priority. While it’s natural to want to support and nurture the connections in your life, it’s equally important to recognize when those connections are draining you emotionally or hindering your personal growth.
Is there someone or multiple people who just don’t make you feel happy or positive after talking to them? Is there dread? Letting go of relationships that no longer contribute to your well-being is an act of self-love. You’re not evil, and if they think that? Well, so what! You have to put yourself first!
There Needs to be Room for Growth and Change
As individuals, we’re constantly evolving. You are constantly evolving, and you need to be constantly evolving too. Nothing should stop this; nobody should be stopping this, either! Your values, beliefs, and priorities shift over time, and sometimes, the people in your life no longer align with these changes.
You deserve to grow; you have a right to grow! That’s why letting go of relationships that no longer resonate with who you are becoming allows you the space to grow and flourish on your own path.
Test It with Boundaries
If you want to test it the relationship before cutting it off cold turkey, then testing out with boundaries might be the way to go. You have to keep in mind that healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding. So, if a relationship lacks reciprocity or consistently crosses your boundaries, it may be time to reassess its value in your life.
Setting boundaries is not only essential for your well-being but also for maintaining healthy connections with others. But if they’re breaking these boundaries and it’s apparent that they just don’t care how it affects you, then you need to leave- that alone tells you how little they care about you. Why have someone in your life who doesn’t care about you anyways?
Finding Closure
Depending on who this person is, it might not be easy to do. The process of letting go can be challenging and emotional. It’s normal to feel a sense of loss or sadness when ending a relationship, even if it’s ultimately for the best. It doesn’t matter who this is, a long-term partner, someone you thought was a close friend, even a parent or sibling- it doesn’t matter.
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They’re all hard, and it’s unfamiliar territory having to cut off people. However, by allowing yourself to grieve the loss and finding closure, you create space for healing. And new opportunities for growth and connection. You might not always get closure, so you need to understand that, too.
It’s Okay to Seek Support
What you’re dealing with is a loss, someone who will most likely no longer be in your life, someone who you will no longer give joy to, and vice versa. It’s a dead relationship, and that can be upsetting. It’s okay to grieve; you’re grieving the loss of a dead relationship; you’re grieving for the potential, what could have been if the other person could have just cared, respected, loved, and just tried more.
So, it’s okay to reach out for support for this. It’s okay to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist during this time. Surrounding yourself with understanding and compassionate individuals can provide comfort and guidance as you focus on self-discovery and healing.
Why Letting Go Can Be Essential For Your Mental Well-Being: There Will Be a Brighter Future
Letting go of relationships that no longer serve you is not a sign of failure but rather a courageous act of self-awareness and self-care. This goes with what was being said above; you’re losing something but gaining something, too. By releasing what no longer aligns with your values and well-being, you create space for new and fulfilling connections to enter your life. Remember, you deserve relationships that uplift and support you on your journey towards a happier and healthier future.
Do you think letting go can be essential for your mental well-being? Have you ever had to let someone go? Let me know in the comments section located below. Or simply stop by and say hi!
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