Have you ever just sat back and started to think? I don't know if it is the new year approaching or what, but I've been doing a LOT of thinking.

I'm proud of myself for the accomplishments I've made, and I can kick myself for some of the dumb stuff that I've done.

I'm normally not one to have regrets, but I do have a few. I know I can't do anything to change them but sometimes they kinda linger....you know, the "what if's".

I had a SERIOUS case of the what if's the other day and it about drove me crazy. It actually drove me to tears.

I have some things that I have been holding on to that I seriously need to let go of. It's hindering my growth as a wife, a mother, a person.

I took time and wrote down everything I was holding on to. I honestly didn't realize it was so much. It kinda hurt me as I wrote all this stuff down.I cried and cried, then I cried some more. It was like I was bearing my soul. I was purging.

The animosity, the jealousy, even down to hatred. I was holding on to some serious stuff.

As I wrote it all down, I cried. It hurt. It had become my clutch. Almost like my security blanket of sorts. As long as I was holding on to this STUFF I would ALWAYS have an excuse to feel the way I did. I think I liked the excuse. I know I did. It was my comfort zone.

I asked Tony if he had anything he was holding on to that he needed to let go of. He said yes. He wrote his list. I didn't look at his, he didn't look at mine.

We took our paper and set it on fire. 

 

 

 

As it burned he asked me why I was crying. I told him I felt like a burden had been lifted. It was almost like it was a burden I didn't even realize I was carrying because I had become so used to the weight.

I can't tell you how much better I feel. I'm normally all happy go lucky, but I have my sad days too. I just try to find the best in them. It doesn't always happen but I try.

I know I am rambling but blogging is my therapy lol. WHY am I putting it out there? Y'all already know. Putting it out there might help SOMEONE who has been holding on to something they need to let go of.

I'm not therapist, or some psychology expert but I'm human. I live and I learn and I tell it. Maybe not all in great detail but I will tell it because I want someone to learn from my mistakes and not make the same ones I have.

So if you have something you have been holding on to, let it go. Is it really worth your happiness? Your peace of mind? Let it go.

I keep saying it...I feel it...I BELIEVE It...

2009 IS GOING TO BE THE BEST YEAR YET FOR ME AND MY FAMILY!

Comments

[Melanie S.Smith]

Wow!!! This is so touching!!! We did not about a month ago, but instead of burning the list we buried them... I love it... It releases so much negative energy from your spirit man!!! The autopsy is over and some of us definitely need to burn or bury (whatever works for you) the dead things in our lives!!! In 2009 "Destiny" will be mine!!!

[Melanie S.Smith]

Okay... that's what I get for not proofin'... It should read We did THIS about a month ago at the CHURCH...

[Mye]

Such a good idea! Glad a burden has been lifted for you. We do tend to hold onto things and we don't even realize it. Good for you!

[Erica B.]

Amen! Let it go! You can't walk around feeling like your soul is tortured.

[urbanknitrix]

It's true. I am so happy for you. I learned this in my early 20's. People say sometimes that I am too upfront and confrontational, but I am not. I learned for me not to hate you, if we have an issue I need to get it off my chest right there and then and then we have no problems. However, if I don't say anything I let it fester and I will hate. So, I got to get it out. It is also why I blog and keep and offline journal, it is so therapeutic. So is screaming - TMI.

I am happy you and Tony got it out.

[Carla]

I am so proud of you and Tony. I do this on a regular basis. I do it on my blog http://pursuingmydreamofwriting.blogspot.com. But when it is something really personal I put it in my journal. The last two years have been the happiest for me because I have let go of the negativity and the negative people in my life. I just lost a very good friend on Christmas Eve and it has further let me know that life is too short to let things hold me down. I mad a promise to myself and to my friend before her death that I would live everyday like it is my last.

[cici]

great post. Thank you for putting it out there. I know that letting it go has set me free! Thank God for journaling, it is something I have done since I was a kid. Have a Blessed New Year!

[robin]

What a great idea. I should do the same thing! Good for you for putting it out there!

[Sonya]

I'm so glad this helped you and your husband. I need to do it too. I used to buy balloons write a prayer or message on them and release them at midnight on New Years Eve. I think I need to start doing that again. You reminded me how much that used to help me, and how good I'd feel after I did it.

Thanks for the inspiration!

[Tanya]

That is very nice but what's better is that you and your husband can have that type of honest communication. Keep purging and only keep what is good, right and uplifting. Have a very Happy New Year, 2009 will be divine.

[Cassandra]

That's smart of you to purge your demons and move on. Good for you! I do need to do the same thing.

Thanks for all your inspiration!

[Dei]

It's a beautiful thing to see two people committed to each other. You and Tony are in it together and you are only going to grow more as a couple. That fact that you cried over past hurts means that they may surface again and you're going to have to address them again, but that's o.k. because you took the first step and acknowledged that they have affected you in some way.

Thx for sharing, be blessed and keep doing what cha do, 'cause you do it well!

You know I always got to say something silly at the end. :)

[Alisa]

Adrienne, this is pure ministry. I hope you don't mind me sharing this with my prayer partners and others who need encouragement. Thank you Dear Heart!!! I am so glad to see you receiving your healing.

[Flora]

I'm happy for you and Tony. I need to try this myself. I tend to hold the bad stuff in a lot and journal or blog about the good. I'll be working on changing that. ~Thanks!

[Thomisia]

I need to release some stuff that I'm holding on to also. It's making not be the fun person that I know that I am. I've been tending to hold back and not share myself with others. However, in '09, I want to be free to be me. TFS!!

[Holly]

AWWWW, you made my day! What a nice post. I tend to keep a lot of things in and not share. I think I would feel better too if I just let go. Thanks, Adrienne, for your VERY inspirational posts, and I hope you and your family have a great New Year's Eve! We'll be bringing in the new year with our close friends and kids too!! (they always try to see if they can make it to midnight!)

[jillian]

Very good advice!

[Teka]

WOW!!I'm going through the same thing as we speak. DRAMA! I'm working on letting things go because I realized that no matter what is done or said to me by another person, they're not losing sleep over it and neither should I. I really needed to see your post today. I literally cursed someone out at my job yesterday. Although they deserved it, I don't feel any better. Thanks fo sharing.

[Tasha]

OMG, Adrienne. This is a therapy tool I use with my clients. It really works and the emotions set free from this exercise is soooo fulfilling. Never thought of using it for myself. But I will. thanks for sharing.

[Dana]

OMG, you just made me cry. I have been holding on to something so long Adrienne, that it has just about ripped my insides out! I know what you mean! I think what you did was wonderful and it something maybe I should do. I have always been the type to HOLD ON, when I should LET GO. Wow, this was one of your most POWERFUL blogs! Thanks girl!

[Maiisha]

Reading your post reminded me of all the things I'm holding on to that I need to let go of. Keep tellin' it!

I'm gonna set fire to all my baggage and go into 2009 with a clear mind & spirit.

Be Blessed :)

[Freaky Deaky]

I want to say I did something similar last year right before New Years. I'm not sure if I'll do it again this year or not. I'm glad a burden has been lifted for you.

[narcissaqtpie]

thank you

[Toni]

Good for you & Tony! Write it down, make it happen! The act of getting it out of your head and onto paper can change a lot! I hope to do a lot of that in 2009!

[jaKKI]

I so feel it too lady...this is the year! I feel like I've been surviving for the past 3 years! I'm tired of JUST surviving. I wouldnt trade the past 3 years because they... by surviving them, I KNOW my strength. But I am so ready to live now.

God bless...

[dhill]

Sounds like a great release. And what a great way to start a new year! Letting go of the old and starting anew. I have a few things to release myself. Glad you're feeling better about it.

[Naomie]

Adrienne, I sincerely wish the best for you. Reading this has hit alot of issues that I am still facing today and your right, holding on too past burdens will only bury you and snuff out a great deal of what life has too offer, sometimes these burdens can block out allot of life oppertunities. Thank you for such a deep and insightful post.

[Andrea]

This was a great post. I'm going to keep this for when I'm ready to release again. I usually write a letter or sometimes I write in a journal. Thank you so much.

[Donnie]

I really enjoy your blog and this post was so "raw." Your clothes are beautiful and you have inspired me to try to sew some clothing.

The end of the year is such a great time to put things in perspective.

Take care!

[Sasha]

WOOOOOOOOW! .. Okay girl as I was watching your paper burn and reading your post, I was over here in tears too .. dang it. Getting me all emotional and stuff, you know we gotta dry that up..but I am so so so proud of you for taking that step to LET IT GO..wow!

Loved your post as always you my inspo boo..you are my inspo

Love you and Happy New Year ..
Sasha

[Krystal (aka Pirouette)]

This is a wonderful post. That's cool that you and your husband "let go" together. Thank you for sharing, and Happy New Year!

[MrsSaditty]

This has to be the most wonderful blog post that I've read anywhere all year long. This has blessed me and taught me a new way of letting go!

[T.Kay]

Hey Adrienne! I'm glad you and your husband had the good sense to do this. I feel it's something I needed to do too before I could move onto the next phase of my life. I think that if we don't let things go they just creep up on us when we least expect it, and it can be quite an ugly eruption! When we hold onto these things we do not have them under control, it's actually quite the opposite.
Here's to you and your hubby for letting go!
All the best to you and your family in the new year!

[Cheryl]

Great post Adrienne!! I had a similar experience of doing this and it was incredibly cathartic. Wow!!

I hope you and your family have the BEST year ever!!!!

[Cee]

Adrienne:

I am glad that you were able to LET IT GO. If my post on Saturday helped you in any way to do this, I am glad.

Some mess ain't worth worrying about. For instance, my mother stressing over me purchasing a house. I just came back from my inspection; needless to say, the house is not the one that God wants me to have, and I am at peace with it.

Put on some sexy heels tonight and have FUN; I know that you have an entire closet filled with them. ;)

[Jen]

You go, Adrienne! Letting go is very powerful, and you will be able to move forward so much more freely now. I agree - 2009 is THE year ;) Happy New Year to you and the family, from us here in little ol' England xx

[Tany]

You are so right to let go of the bad and HOLD ON TO THE GOOD.

Have a Happy New Year, a fresh start with all your wishes come true! I'm less than 3hrs away from the New Year here in Portugal!

[Stacey_CirmsonPurl]

Gurl the best therapy session you had!

Wishing you much JOY in the New Year for you and your family Adrienne!!

[Nora]

Beautiful post.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2009. x

[Heather]

Wow, what a great therapeutic idea, happy New Year!

[Renee aka Mekhismom]

Happy New Year! What a wonderful way to let go.

[Opal]

What a wonderful way to start out a new year. Out with the old and bring in the new. May 2009 be filled with God blessings, Good Health, Love, Peace, Prosperity and lots of sewing..Happy New Year to you and your family...

[Vicki]

How wise! We all have things/emotions we hold onto that we should release. I am in the cleaning, decluttering process and it is good just to let go. Happy New Year - hope 2009 if fabulous for you and your family.

[Solidia]

Good for you Adrienne! I learned to do this in college from my girlfriends mother. She uses it with her patients. Dr. S. says to write it down and shred it or burn it. Another technique she uses is going outside in your backyard or to a park and making piece by letting go of a balloon.

[Lovlee Tang]

very inspiring! We all have things that hold us back and hinder us from moving forward. I have two montras for the year: One is to "Face My Storms" and the other is Ephesians 5:10b "find out what pleases the Lord." This is going to be the best year ever. Take Care
Lovlee

[Lovlee Tang]

Thank you for sharing! We all have so many things that can hold us back...but this is the year to free ourselves! My Mantras for the year is to "Face My Storms", and Ephesians 5:10b "to find out what pleases the Lord."

This is going to be the best year ever for us all!!!

Take Care!
Lovlee

[scrapNdiva]

Happy New Year to you! Beautiful post, the most inspiring I've read in a while. I've never heard of anyone writing and burning like you guys did, great idea. Well, let me begin my 5 page essay so I can burn it and feel good too. :) You are beautiful and have a beautiful family

[carlitadee]

Oooh, girl. I know exactly what you mean! I'm working on letting go, for real.

And as always, Adrienne, you are a real inspiration. I appreciate your open heart. Congratulations on your best year yet!