Do you remember the thrill of riding a roller coaster? I would yell and scream and fully take in the ecstatic experience. When the ride was over, I got off and savored the moment by saying, "That was AWESOME!" Then, I let it go.
Do you remember the moment you were informed that you had earned a promotion? I remember calling my husband and sharing the big news. I soaked myself in the joy of getting recognition on the way home. My husband and I went to an expensive restaurant to celebrate. Then I let it go.
It's funny that we let joy, pleasure and happiness go so easily, yet we hold on to regrets, anger and grief so long.
When my grandmother died, a part of me was aching with grief; yet I couldn't let it go.
When I've been, at times, a little cruel to my friends and family members, I would eventually cool off and regret whatever I had said or did; yet I couldn't let it go.
When I was mistreated and misunderstood by colleagues or even strangers, my heart was pulsing with anger, and I couldn't let it go.
In all instances, these were intense experiences and it took a long time to get over the regret, anger and grief. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Doesn't it make sense to hold on the joy, happiness and pleasure much longer?
I've come to realize that regrets, anger and grief need proper closure. Unless I somehow make amends to bring proper closure, it's hard to let it go.
For the passing of my grandmother, I made a promise to myself to think of her often.
For the cruelty I inflicted to the others, I made an effort to say I am sorry and explain what happened and ask for their understanding.
For mistreatment by colleagues or strangers, sometimes I will let them know, sometimes I won't. The reality is I need to learn that it doesn't matter. Just let it go!
But the reverse is not really true. Holding on to joy, happiness and pleasure for a very long time won't really serve your interests in the long run. Good or bad, we can't dwell on the past. Take in the moments as they are, experience them fully, and then let all emotions go. That's how we move on.
"Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn." -- Mahatma Gandhi
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
