Can't Leave The Mountain

Letting go is hard to do. You often want to let go, but you keep looking back, longing for the times and people and places of yesteryear...you know, that thing that you let go of in the first place? And there are so many wise sayings to help you through that period of releasing your grasp on the past. You know what I'm talking about... "If you love someone, let them go..."

What a load of hooey!  When do I get the real story? The real deal? The bare-knuckles ugly truth that I need to choke down in order to get on with my life? I went through the trouble of getting away from those things that were holding me back, those people that were contrary to my progress, those situations that were hazardous to my health, and now I'm ready for the good stuff! I ready to know when the crap will end!

"I WANT OFF THE MERRY-GO-ROUND ALREADY!"

I know you're ready to get off the merry-go-round, too, aren't you? I mean, really--same old tune, grinding away, over and over again. Going in these maddening circles and getting nowhere!! Wondering when the pain will end and you will stop longing for what you had way back when times were better...Well, I have an solution for you:

The discomfort will end when you release it. 

It's that simple. When you stop rubber-necking over your shoulder waiting for those people who were holding you back and mistreating you to acknowledge your absence, the pain and discomfort will end. You let them go because they didn't recognize your value and you subsequently saw no value in them! So why do you continue to dwell in the past, hoping that situation will miraculously change?

There's an old Biblical parable about Sodom and Gomorrah. No, I'm not about to start preaching, but bear with me for about three sentences. God informed Lot and his household to get out of Sodom and Gomorrah and not to look back. As they were climbing the mountains outside of the city, Lot's wife couldn't help but look back. Because she disobeyed His command, God turned Lot's wife into a pillar of salt, and she's still stuck on the on mountain--hence the reference "can't leave the mountain."

Are you still stuck on the mountain?


Have you been buried in chaos for so long that you have no idea which way to go now that you have traveled into the light? Are you gripped by fear, anxiety, uncertainty, solitude, and depression because the fresh air is so foreign to you? I know it is very difficult to release that to which you have become accustomed--even if it was a terrible situation to be in. Leaving a job where you are unhappy, letting go of a toxic "friend" or group of "friends," getting from under over-bearing family members, walking away from your hometown or an abusive or inconsiderate spouse or lover--these are all decision that may be in your best interest, but are still very difficult and sometimes nearly impossible.

The best way to begin (and continue) the process of healing is to stay focused on the future--don't look back. That tender reminiscence usually only serves to cause you more pain. Constantly reliving the toxic situation that you left behind is just as bad for you and for your progress as still being in that situation.

So do yourself a favor--LET IT GO! Those people, events, or situations who have hurt you do not deserve to occupy so much of your mind space. If you refuse to dwell on them, eventually the memories of them will gradually fade into oblivion. They will simply go away. Only remember them briefly, and even then only for the lessons that you've learned for the experience, and only long enough to remind you why you left them behind. Then get up, shake off that burden from your shoulders, and GET OFF THE MOUNTAIN!!! It's time get on with your life!

S Lynn Mitchell, MBA
http://www.thebestyouever.com