When I thought I had plenty of time, November decided to simply fly. I only have two days left to get my blog post published in time to accomplish my goal of one post a month. I would lie if I said I am not panicking, that I do not feel the pressure, and that I will have enough time. However, my inspiration has not let me down so far, my commitment is always a great companion, and my eagerness will reassure my confidence: I will succeed! It is a wet, dull, windy, miserable, dark Friday evening: it is wild out there. At least, it is not as cold as it was a couple of days ago: no need to wear lots of layers, or keep topping up hot water bottles, or having the heating on. It is one of those rainy days: not as bad as it seems when one is looking out from the window. It is not baltic, simply wet. As usual, my warm cupán tae, my candle flickering away on a very special copper handmade candle holder, my inspiration knocking at the door so words can be released. Let’s get this blog number eleven ready!
Once again, I had another topic planned for the month of November. That was a long time ago, which means I have had time to discuss with myself whether it was the right one or I should be going for something else. In the end, it was not meant to be, who knows, maybe next year. It was not until two weeks ago, when I woke up to a completely different topic to write about: a big smile embraced me. Let it go! I guess, many of you will think I am a fan of the Disney movie “Frozen”, which I am not. Although it holds some really nice and special memories. The song from the film brings me back to 2014, when I was self employed with my own business as an English language tutor: a good friend of mine asked me if I could teach the language to her daughter and a friend, they were only seven years old. Well, how could I say no. Every Saturday, the three of us listened, sang and danced to “Let it go”. At that time it was more a torture than an enjoyment… Lol. Ten years later, it has become such a great memory, much more so because my friend’s daughter is now reading my blogs so she can keep learning the English language. Somehow, I am still teaching her. Isn’t that so nice?
I did not go with the “let it go” topic because of the song, not at all. Letting go has become a lesson learned over the years: we tend to be so attached to things, to plans, to people, that sometimes we are not capable of detaching ourselves by letting them go.
“…we do not need that much to be happy and giving things away to others is very rewarding…”
Stuff. When I moved to Ireland I had to leave behind many clothes, housewares, books, CDs, and others. It was not easy, I wanted to keep everything, I could not help it but to think that the set of cups I had no space for, had been given to me by someone special; the candle holder was from a nice shop; the ornament had been with me for years; the blanket was nice and cosy; the pair of socks were so comfortable. I managed to keep it down to just a few boxes. I gave things away to family, friends, and charity shops. In the end, I realised that less is more, indeed. During my first three years in Ireland, I was renting a room so there was not much space available for loads of my belongings. I went back to the basics: just the essentials to keep me going. I relearned to be happy with not having much. Those years taught me a couple of lessons: we do not need that much to be happy and giving things away to others is very rewarding. I have also joined the joys of “preloved”, “second hand” and “free to take”: rather than buying brand new things, it is great to give old items a second life; rather than throwing things away, it is great to give them to others who may need them. It is even better acquiring already used pieces of furniture, vases, lamps, they are full of character.
“Every now and then though, my determination is joined by captain “let it go” so the failure feeling does not kick in…”
Plans. I am a very determined person, sometimes a bit too stubborn when it comes to ambitions, objectives, projects. I am also very hard on myself so letting plans go seems like I have let myself down, it feels like defeat. I know that my determination has been a great companion and has brought me to Ireland, has helped me in finding my soulmate, has guided me in my career, has encouraged me to keep writing my blog, and has taught me that abandoning ship is the last thing one should do. Every now and then though, my determination is joined by captain “let it go” so the failure feeling does not kick in. I do think that I still have a long way to go to master the art of letting plans go, but I am making great progress.
“When you discover that you have the power to let go of those negative influences … you then become a sort of a superhero with a bullet proof shield...”
People. I will not definitely get to master the art of letting people go. However, over the years I have somehow learned to detach myself from toxic people. It may seem easy but it takes a lot of will of steel to disconnect yourself from noxious humans. When you discover that you have the power to let go of those negative influences around you, you then become a sort of a superhero with a bullet proof shield. In the last couple of years, I have enrolled in a new chapter: the lesson of how to let friends go. It is hard to accept that you and a one time friend have drifted away. It is difficult to see that the bond that once united one to another is broken. It is sad to admit that the friendship has become a bunch of memories. Despite the sadness you need to let them go, because not everyone that comes into your life will stay forever. I can assure you that this is a tough lesson to take in.
We believe that it is so hard to let stuff go but when we do so, a tsunami of relief, freedom and wellbeing embraces you. We believe that it is nearly impossible to let plans go but when we do so, a torrential rain of new opportunities soaks you. We believe that it is so hard to let people go but when we do so, a swirling tornado of new doors opening surrounds you.
We need to let go to make space for better things to come into our lives. Getting rid of that jumper may give you a chance to buy yourself something nice, or simply enjoy the empty space. Acknowledging that a plan is not meant to be, may present you a new project to focus on. Letting go of that friendship that has drifted away, may surprise you with an old friend coming back to your life!
Let it go!
Jay Cee Moon ©
Jaycee Moon 