This may in fact be one of the hardest things for you to do. Have I got your attention yet? Good, because although you may have heard this in the past you most certainly need to be reminded of it and for some daily until you understand the ramifications if you don’t.
First let me give you some history. It wasn’t until recently perhaps 5 years ago that I took my own advice. Yes, it took me that long. My hope is that it won’t take you as long because I must admit it was not fun.
For as long as I can remember I held on very tight to my convictions. Whether they made sense to others or not, I was determined to stay strong and do things ‘my way’. Can you say ‘stubborn’? But in my defense, I wasn’t always this way. Being raised in a very, very strict household..{did I mention strict?} was not easy. I was not able to share my thoughts much less my opinions. I was told how to talk, walk, sit, dress, and anything else you can think of. My goal was to raise enough money to move out on my own. Of course, that was easier said than done, since I wasn’t allowed to work out of the home. So, I became creative. Yes, I was going to show ‘them’ and so I studied and studied and studied. My only way out was to do well in school to obtain scholarships, so that’s what I did.
Once I was on ‘my own’ I was determined to do things my way and not accept help or advice from anyone. Boy, was that a silly way of thinking. If only I knew then what I know now, my life may have been different. But, instead of muttering those words, I am actually quite grateful that those years of hard work occurred. How else can I share with you the importance of doing the most difficult thing that I finally did and am grateful for? But wait, there’s more…
Now that I was on ‘my own’, I continued my studies and worked several jobs. I was determined to survive, even if it meant eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for months. Fast forward a few years and I found myself in a different state, pursuing my life long goal of becoming a doctor. A goal that was engrained in my mind from my childhood years, but a goal nonetheless. While there I met my soul mate, got married, started a family and graduated school. All the while, I was still determined to do things my way, with no help from others.
If I were to tell you my life was easy, I would certainly be lying, so I won’t tell you a lie. Instead, I will confess that my life was not easy and mainly because of my way of thinking. Would I have done it any other way? Perhaps, but remember I was very, very stubborn and some may say I still am. What I did learn 5 years ago was the most difficult lesson of all but one that I am thankful for.
That lesson was to simply let go. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, let me tell you, that it was not and sometimes still isn’t. Letting go meant that I had to let go of my stubbornness and allow others to help me. Sound familiar? Are you suffering from this illness as well? Oh, yes…it’s truly an illness but there is a cure and the side effects are truly AH-mazing!!
You may be wondering how to let go, well let me share with you some tips:
Accept that you are not perfect. Did you read that? You nor anyone else around you is perfect. If fact what makes us unique are our imperfections. Embrace those imperfections and your life will be a lot easier. Trust me.
Listen to those around you. Too often a person that is unwilling to let go is also unwilling to listen to others. You may be surprised at the wisdom that surrounds you if you take the time to listen.
Teach your family. This is a biggie! Instead of doing it all, it is important to teach your family. Not only is it your responsibility to teach but it will help to release the burdens YOU have placed upon yourself. Make it a game, play some music, whatever it takes, teach your family.
Allow others to help you. As easy as this may sound, it is perhaps one of the most difficult things to do. Letting go means allowing others to step into your space to help you. Will this process occur overnight? Absolutely not! But you must start for it to take place. The last thing you want to feel is resentment for doing everything yourself. Yes, resentment is that ugly monster that will appear in your life if you don’t allow others to help.
There are many more tips that you will find in my upcoming book called: Letting Go of Super Mom which will be released on August 7, 2012. The main tips are the ones I’ve shared with you today because they are the most difficult ones. Remember it took me a very long time to let go, but when I finally did, my life became easier.
Don’t you want to live a happier, healthier and easier lifestyle? Why are you hanging on to the notion that YOU must do it all? It’s time to re-program your way of thinking.
To be successful in life – you must let go
To be successful in business – you must let go
To be successful in relationships – you must let go
To live a healthier lifestyle – you must let go
To have a happy and healthy family life – you must let go
Get the picture? Letting go is hard to do but essential to your overall happiness. What are you waiting for?
Dr. Daisy Sutherland is the Founder/CEO of Dr. Mommy Online. She is a doctor, author, speaker, social media strategist, brand ambassador, wife & mom to 5 children. Dr. Mommy's mission is to ~ Help Busy Women and Men with her 'Get Real' approach to living a happier and healthier lifestyle. Don't forget to grab your FREE gift...7 Simple Ways to Stay Motivated
Letting go is absolutely critical. Thanks for sharing and don’t worry even though it took 5 years at least you did let go right?
It reminds me a book I’m reading now called The Power of Now. Anyway thanks for shedding some light on this and keep up the great work!
Nice post, it does not matter when you get the lesson, what is important is that you do get it.