“Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.” – Steve Maraboli

Introduction

We are now in the second month of the new year and I hope by now you have developed some plans for the rest of 2021 and beyond. Remember it is not too late to start if you have not done so already.

In my article entitled “making a fresh start”, I mentioned one of the things you may have to do is sever ties with some people. This is also demonstrated in the Bible. Remember when Abraham left Ur, he not only took his immediate family but he also took his nephew Lot with him. However, quarrels took place among Lot’s Shepherds and Abraham’s shepherds. In order to settle this dispute, Abraham thought it was best that he and Lot separate and move in opposite directions.

I believe all of us have some people in our lives that we need to turn loose and let them go. I am not here to suggest you hold them in your heart for the wrong they did to you. By all means, love them, forgive them but let them go. You do not have to be bosom buddies with someone to prove to them that you have forgiven them. You can forgive and they do not have to be part of your life on a daily basis. You can also love from afar. They do not have to be in your face to love.

You see there are some people in your life who are weighing you down. Each time you try to get up, you fall because people are keeping you down. There are some people who are just using you like a doormat. They only know you when they want you to do something for them. There are people who are smiling in your face and don’t mean you any good. There are people who are slandering your name and making all sorts of accusations about you. There are people verbally and physically abusing you. There are people who are constantly fighting with you creating a lot of animosity and hatred.  There are people throwing shades at you and you know that you know they mean you but they don’t realize you know that you know. There are some people who are an interference in your Christian walk with God. There are also some people who causing a hindrance in your marriage. They are friends with your spouse but not with you. There are some people in your organization that are dishonest, and care very little about the organization they work. It is time to turn these people loose and let them go.

How to let go of people?

It is very difficult letting people go especially if they are very close with you. However, recognize that some people in your life are not there to be on a permanent basis. They are part of your journey but not your destiny.

Be upfront with the individuals. Tell them how you feel and why you are doing what you doing and that you think it is best you’ll sever ties and go separate ways. Make sure you forgive them though.

Be independent. Sometimes we cannot let go of people because we are so dependent on them. Trust me, the minute you let some of these people go, you will realize how much you could have achieve without them. Don’t let fear allow you to keep people in your lives that you do not deserve. Start doing something for yourself so you do not have to stay in a relationship because you are dependent on them.

Conclusion

Letting go of toxic people is one of the best things you can do to make a fresh start. If you keep some of these people in your lives, sometimes you become just like them.  Let some of these people go.