The Real Chic Life

As I find myself in the throes of personal and professional change (we’re moving this spring, and my first essay comes out in the anthology Midlife Private Parts this June) I’m thinking a lot about evolving and the power of letting go. Ironically my essay in the midlife anthology is about reinvention too. While I’m the first to admit that letting go can be one of the hardest things we face— it’s often the key to unlocking personal growth. Whether it’s releasing toxic relationships, outdated beliefs, or the fear of the unknown, embracing change empowers us to live authentically. In this post, we’ll explore why letting go is essential, how to navigate change, and practical tips to foster growth through life’s transitions.

Why letting go matters for personal change

Letting go:

• Opens up new opportunities: When we release what no longer serves us, we create space for new experiences and relationships
• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Holding onto regrets or resentment weighs heavily on mental health. Letting go allows emotional healing.
• Offers opportunities for self-discovery: Change often reveals strengths we didn’t know we had, encouraging resilience and growth.
• And, it increases our emotional intelligence: learning to accept and navigate change builds self-awareness and empathy.

How to know when it is time to embrace a change 

Here are some signs that it may be time to let go and move on:

• You feel drained rather than energized by a situation or relationship.
• Fear of change is holding you back from pursuing new goals.
• Resentment or regret consumes your thoughts.
• Growth feels impossible in your current environment.

If any of these resonate, it may be time to evaluate what you’re holding onto.

What you can do to help yourself embrace the change:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

It’s natural to feel fear, sadness, or uncertainty when facing change. Allow yourself to process these emotions without judgment.

2. Shift Your Perspective

Instead of viewing change as a loss, reframe it as an opportunity for growth. Every ending opens a door to a new beginning.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Stay present through meditation, journaling, or mindful breathing. This helps regulate emotions and prevents dwelling on the past.

4 . Visualize Your Ideal Future

In Solution Focused counseling we use the Miracle Question. If a Miracle occurred and your problem was gone what would that look and feel like? Here you could picture what life could look like once you’ve let go. Visualization can build confidence and motivate action.

5. Release Through Ritual

Some find closure through symbolic acts, like writing a letter (that you don’t send) or participating in a small letting-go ceremony.

6. Surround Yourself with Support

Seek encouragement from friends, mentors, or therapists. Community support can provide perspective and reassurance.

For me letting go is about looking towards the future, but I also find it helpful to embrace the past. Consider a time when a significant change led to personal growth. Maybe leaving a job paved the way for a fulfilling career, or ending a relationship allowed you to rediscover your independence. Reflecting on past experiences reminds us that we’re capable of navigating change — and thriving because of it. Letting go isn’t about forgetting or dismissing what once mattered; it’s about making peace with the past and creating space for more joy. By embracing change, we invite growth, resilience, and new possibilities!

What are you ready to release? Remember to take a deep breath, trust yourself, and step forward — your next chapter awaits. We can’t wait to hear what changes you’re making. Let us know in the comments.

Until next post,

Xo Tonya