Letting Go, Costs

We often imagine letting go as an easy task. Releasing our grip requires less energy—throwing, donating, selling stuff. Forgetting. Forgiving. Moving on.

In truth, letting go is hard. That’s why moving on from a breakup is painful. When you think about it, why are we so sad to let go of a relationship that no longer works? Unless you’ve already experienced and survived it, it’s not as simple as it sounds.

A Personal Experience

I recently had my house painted, the doors fixed, and a few electrical sockets, light bulbs, and a ceiling fan in one of the rooms repaired. While these actions involved spending money, they felt like letting go. It was about letting go of doors that were holed and broken because I once hit them with my head and a hammer in moments of anger, sadness, and frustration. Those doors were a reflection of myself, living with me throughout my darkest year and a few years after, while I was healing. They were the reason I hardly invited people over to see my living space. Getting them fixed got me emotional. It felt like removing scars with acid.

The Complexity of Decluttering

Many people describe letting go and decluttering as something natural. We think that as we no longer need stuff, we simply get rid of it. For things that are ugly and useless, it’s easy. For things that are meaningful but no longer useful, it’s harder. For things that are ugly, useless, and hold the stories of suffering, it’s the hardest, like my doors.

The Cost of Freedom

However, the harder it is to let go, the more liberating it becomes. Letting go costs. Freedom costs. But it’s worth it.

Understanding the value of letting go helps in the process. It’s not just about freeing up physical space but also emotional and mental space. By letting go, we make room for new experiences, new growth, and new happiness.

Ultimately, while letting go may be challenging and even painful, it is a necessary part of growth and healing. It allows us to move forward, unburdened by the past, and embrace a future full of potential.