Let Them Go
I’ve come across an overwhelming number of memes and insightful videos shared by influencers, therapists, and everyday individuals. Each offers a unique perspective, yet the overarching message remains the same: Let them go. What a seemingly simple phrase, but the task itself is often incredibly difficult. Over the last couple of challenging years, I’ve found myself deeply immersed in the process of “letting them go.” This journey has been filled with a range of emotions, making it one of the most challenging and painful experiences I’ve ever faced. Along the way, I've formed some truly meaningful connections during my healing journey. I would love to share some of our experiences we connected on. My hope is that at least one of these blurbs resonates with you, helping you navigate your own unique healing journey.
Picture this: you meet someone interesting, you connect on an emotional level, and then you embark on what seems like a simple process of dating. You find yourself falling head over heels in love, even beginning to picture this person as part of your beautiful future. But then, out of nowhere, BAM—you discover that the person you’ve been dating is actually married. WOW, didn’t see that plot twist coming, did you? Yep, they are indeed married. But wait, they assure you that their marriage is completely over. They insist that their spouse just doesn’t “get them” in any meaningful way anymore. They even claim they sleep in separate rooms and barely speak to one another at all. You know it’s coming—the classic line about how "Their spouse has cheated on them," and how they just can't get over it. They try to convince you that all that's left to do is file the paperwork for separation or divorce. Come on, we’ve all seen this movie play out before, right? After investing a lot of time and trust into this person who always promises they’ll leave their spouse, and repeatedly buying into every excuse they provided about why now isn’t the right time for them to make that leap, it inevitably culminates in heartbreak. They never leave their spouse. It’s not just heartbreaking to be deceived by the very person you loved; it's even more devastating to confront the lies you told yourself. Deep down, you knew you deserved so much better. You had to of recognized that you were being fed lies. Yet, somehow, they convinced you to cling to this toxic relationship. Why? Because, that person claimed to love you?
Complicated relationships between sisters can be a real rollercoaster ride. One minute, emotions are running so high that you feel like scratching their face off, and the next, you’re ready to bury a body for them if it comes down to it. It’s almost comical how sisters can go from infuriated to inseparable in a heartbeat. But what happens when one sister crosses a line that feels impossible to forgive? Where exactly do you draw that difficult line before deciding on “letting them go”? Ultimately, letting go of your sister is an incredibly painful process, one that lingers long after the decision is made. No matter what they’ve done, you’ll inevitably miss the sister you once knew—the one who brought you laughter, shared shenanigans, took unforgettable trips with you, and created countless cherished memories. Most heart-wrenching of all, you’ll miss the companionship and friendship that once defined your relationship.
Getting involved with a narcissist who once made you feel like you were the only girl in the entire world, showering you with attention and affection. Then, one fateful day, you woke up to the harsh realization that he was nothing more than a bully, and you were downgraded to being nothing more than property in his eyes, your worth diminished to an object rather than a cherished partner. How did you miss the signs that were so clearly laid out before you? Will you now begin to interpret everything and anything as a sign, wondering if it holds a deeper meaning?
A hard truth is a friend who shares your deepest secrets with others is not a true friend at all. They engage in gossip, talking negatively about you behind your back, which can be incredibly hurtful and damaging. They often pretend to be your friend, smiling to your face, but in reality, you are just a pawn in their twisted mind game for some sort of entertainment. It’s truly disheartening to realize that someone you trusted can so easily betray you. What was driving them to do this to you? Why didn’t they seem to value the friendship as much as you genuinely did?
Confiding in a coworker, someone you thought you could trust and who seemed supportive, who you felt completely safe talking about your concerns regarding work and various projects, was that very person ended up relaying everything you said to your boss, leaving you feeling betrayed and hurt. Were you viewed as competition rather than a friend? What exactly was their intention and underlying motive behind their actions? It’s essential to consider the dynamics of your relationship and what may have driven them to see you in that light.
The message is beautifully simple, and the task should be equally simple too: LET THEM GO. They have served their purpose in your life, and that purpose can encompass a variety of positive things. One of the most important lessons they might have taught you is simply about growth and self-discovery. Embrace these lessons and allow yourself to move forward with a lighter heart. LET THEM GO. People who don’t bring genuine value to your life, such as unwavering support, unconditional love, true honesty, and uplifting encouragement, absolutely, without a doubt, LET THEM GO. Those who lie to you, speak untruths about you, take what is yours, and who clearly do not have your best interest at heart, it’s time to firmly LET THEM GO.
CL and other contributors
