I recently picked up a book I’ve attempted to read at least three times. The operative word here is “ATTEMPTED.” I have a habit of starting things and not finishing them, a pattern I’m diligently working to break. It’s my main focus area for this year. I’ve made it my goal to become someone who sees things through to the end. That’s a topic for another time, though. Today, I want to discuss a particular book that I’ve repeatedly set aside upon reaching a challenging section. The book in question is “The Emotionally Healthy Woman” by Geri Scazzero. (A month from now, y’all check in to make sure I’ve finished the book.)

Anyway, this morning I got stuck on this line in the book: “dying is the nonnegotiable prerequisite for resurrection,” and I have been sitting with that thought for the last 30 minutes. Letting go has always been a challenge for me, whether it‘s jobs, relationships, or even old clothes. Reflecting on this, I wondered to myself: have I robbed certain areas of my life or sphere of influence of a resurrection because I wouldn’t let it die? I thought about all the things I’ve fought so hard to keep alive – be it romantic relationships, friendships, projects, business ideas – all while knowing full well that it was time to LET IT DIE. I then had to accept this truth about that version of me; I would rather sit with the rotting stench of obvious decay than embark on the uncomfortable journey of transformation.

But what does it truly mean to “Let it die“? It‘s about confronting the reality that not everything in our lives is meant to last forever. Sometimes, holding onto things that no longer serve us can hinder our progress and growth. This concept isn’t new to me, but it hit differently this time around. Perhaps it‘s the timing, or maybe it‘s the earnest effort I’m putting into being more self-aware and intentional with my actions.

As I pondered over the idea, I realized that the process of letting go is inherently painful yet profoundly liberating. It‘s a paradox, really. The pain comes from the detachment of things we once believed were essential to our happiness or identity. Yet, the liberation arises from the space and freedom created by their absence. Space for new ideas, relationships, and opportunities that align more closely with who we are becoming, rather than who we once were.

In my reflection, I identified areas in my life where I resisted the natural end of things. I asked myself, “What am I afraid of losing?” and “What new beginnings am I denying myself by refusing to let go?” These questions were uncomfortable but necessary. They pushed me to recognize that my fear of loss often overshadowed the potential for gaining something much greater.

So, how do we start this process of letting die? Firstly, it requires us to practice honest self-reflection. We need to examine our lives critically and identify what’s no longer contributing to our growth. It could be a job that’s become stagnant, a relationship that’s draining rather than fulfilling, or even old habits that are keeping us stuck.

Next, we must embrace the discomfort of the unknown. Letting go means stepping into unfamiliar territory. It‘s scary, but it‘s also where growth happens. We need to trust that from the ashes of what we let die, something new and beautiful can emerge.

Finally, we must act. It‘s not enough to recognize what needs to go; we must be willing to take the steps necessary to release it from our lives. This might mean having difficult conversations, making hard decisions, or changing long-standing behaviors. It‘s a process that requires patience, courage, and compassion towards ourselves.

“Let it die” is more than a blog post; it‘s a mantra for those of us seeking to live more authentically. It‘s a call to let go of the old to make way for the new. As I continue on this journey, I am committed to being a finisher not just with this book, but in the broader sense of completing the cycles of growth that require me to let things die. Because in the end, it‘s not just about what we’re leaving behind, but about what we’re moving towards. A life filled with purpose, joy, and the true essence of who we are meant to be.

Let‘s embrace the idea that sometimes, the best way to find our path is to let go of what we think should be and have the courage to let things die. Only then can we experience the true resurrection of our spirits and lives.

Yours in shared growth as we emerge and reclaim our lives,

Steph.