Welcome 2017! The Year of Letting Go

Welcome 2017 – the year of letting go! We’re so glad you’re here.

Is it just me, or was 2016 a meh year. Overall, it was just a lot to handle. Not to mention, we lost 40% of our business (which is 90% of our winter income) due to our largest wholesale partner closing. Plus, we’ve managed to mentally and physically run ourselves ragged. And let’s not forget the never-ending political scene which caused plenty of arguments and discontent among family and friends. Yes, there were some good moments too but overall, the spirits of all didn’t seem too bright.

Luckily, we’re already feeling a shift in energy, though it’s only the start of 2017. I think it may have begun over the holidays. With Christmas and the start of Hannukah falling on the same day (the first time since 1959), it felt somewhat unifying. Maybe it was a divine, spiritual or cosmic intervention. Whatever it be – there was something in the air.

According to Elephant Journal, “2017 has a very different energetic vibration compared to 2016. While 2016 (a “9” year) was all about endings, 2017 is a “1” year in numerology which marks new beginnings and exciting new opportunities and possibilities. However, these will only arrive if we are willing to fully let go of the past and if we are open to receiving the wonders of the present moment, as well as the future.”

Sounds pretty fantastic to me. So let it go!

What it means to let go…

By definition, letting go means:

• allowing someone or something to escape or go free.
• relinquish one’s grip on someone or something.

Makes complete sense and is very straight forward. So, why do we have such a heard time letting go? It’s so easy to be stuck – habits are a beast, the ego is vicious and it takes work to grow as a human. It’s easier to hold on and feel pain or bitterness than it is to make a conscious effort to be different. And to simply, let go.

It doesn’t mean forgetting or giving in, it doesn’t mean that your not justified in what you feel. Letting go is about one’s self. It’s about our personal mental and physical health. It’s about protecting one’s soul and goodness. Let go for you – not anyone else.

When you surrender and breathe, you feel better. We just started the mental process of letting things go and already feel the weight of our world drifting away. Sheer acknowledgment and commitment is the first step of this journey. Trust me, it can be a struggle and you certainly need to be conscious. But now is the time to remove the unhealthy from life – people, food, addictions, what have you. Remove and let go of all which does not serve you.

If you let go a little, you will have a little peace.
If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace. -Ajahn Chah

How do I let go?

There are lots of ways to practice the art of letting go. Belief.net has a great article, 5 Ways to Practice Letting Go; Tiny Buddha offers up some wisdom with 40 Ways to Let Go and Feel Less Pain and How To Move On: What It Really Means to Let Go. Remember, finding your way is a journey – not a destination.

A few personal favorites…

Change Your Perception: The minute we look at our reality from a different angle, everything changes. After losing our largest wholesale partner, we must have felt every emotion. Including, the world is against us and we suck. Well, after reflection and letting go, we certainly know the world is not against us and we don’t suck. Shit happens – good, bad and the in-between. It just takes looking at things from different viewpoints.

Breathe in Fresh Air: It’s amazing how much a walk can do for one’s soul. Every day, we bundle up and head out – we’re addicted. And though cold at first, our bodies quickly warm. If we’re lucky (and this time of year we certainly are) a bald eagle spotting is just a moment away. The landscape of the Delaware River speaks – of strength, power, and adaptability. Flowing, reminding us to let it all drift away. Nature’s therapy, if you ask me.

Laugh: This is a big one. Laughing is an instant mood booster, releasing feel-good brain chemicals. Plus, it’s a whole lot easier to let go when you’re laughing. So, hang out, kick back and let loose. If you Netflix and chill, choose something funny. As of late, that’s what we’re opting for – light and easy – no added anxiety needed.

3 Releasing Rituals

Sometimes letting go takes a physical act. Choose the one that resonates with you…

Burn It: Write a letter to someone or yourself; make a list of all that pains you. Then, set it on fire with the intention to let go. You can do the same with pictures.

Release It to the Universe: Tuck your note into a sky lantern or balloon; or place it in a bottle and let it all float away.

Light a Candle, Set an Intention: Tell yourself you’re letting go, acknowledge the work you’re putting in and breathe – long, deep breaths.

Our Recipe for Letting Go

Love, Laugh, Live.

Jen and I have made a conscious decision and promise, to ourselves and to one another to truly work on letting go while focusing on the three L’s, love, laugh, live. Together, we’re helping the other stay on course with many reminders to breathe and let go – to grow with fresh energy and a renewed sense of self.

Letting go may take time and does take practice. There will be good and bad days. But every day marks a new beginning – a chance for peace within.

Happy New Year. May we all find success in practicing the art of letting go.

Danielle (and Jennifer)