Is Letting Go So Hard To Do? 

Our Swindon business advice column with Gail Gibson

Imagine yourself wearing a parachute inside a light aircraft at 10,000 feet above the earth.

You are just one step away from jumping out but one of your hands holds tight to the edge of the doorway. Are you thinking: “Do I need to jump? Isn’t it safer to get back inside and let the pilot land the plane?” 

 

Do I really have to let go?

Many parachutists across the world take that step and fly downward toward the earth, safe in the knowledge that their parachute will deliver them to the ground.

Each one makes a choice to let go, to take a chance, and to make the most of the opportunity. 

For a parachutist, letting go is what is exciting. A step is taken, the adrenalin kicks in, and the experience becomes unique to each individual. The act of letting go is a positive thing, not to be scared of, rather to be embraced and allowed to happen.

Letting go is a valuable lesson

 

Perhaps even more so if you have experienced or you are currently going through the redundancy process and/or you face unemployment, at a critical midpoint in your career.

Right now in your life you are in a period of transition. Transition is a time when what you have done in the past meets what you are currently doing or experiencing.

It’s an interesting meeting point which raises a perhaps unwelcome level of uncertainty, as you are thrust into the unknown.

Transition is a time when you need to give yourself permission to let go

 

At this stage many people are greatly challenged by the whole idea of letting go. Feelings such as “But I feel guilty” often surface, as if on demand.

Why, because you have been conditioned to believe that you need to be doing something. Is this as a result of having been the primary provider or breadwinner? Do you feel guilty that you are not looking after your family? 

Letting go is about 'being'

Consider the thoughts of a parachutist. He stands on the brink, letting go at the last moment, to be at one with flight. By letting go he opens his eyes to an amazing opportunity.

 

Letting go isn’t hard to do

You must give yourself a chance to do so. Get onboard the plane. Step away from your conditioned past and into the vastness of opportunity.

Step off the edge and embrace being in the moment. Believe in your parachute and know that when you release the catch you will be carried safely to the next stage of your life journey.