Release

For the past few years, I have engaged in the practice of choosing a word for the new year. It’s not a resolution, nor is it a hard and fast rule. It is simply a way to set my intention for the year. When written throughout my planner, it becomes a gentle reminder to recall the intention I set and visit with it, to see how we’re doing. For 2024, the word I have chosen is “Release.”

As opposed to words like purge or letting go, release is a deliberate action to relinquish your grip on something that no longer holds the value that was once assigned to it or no longer serves the purpose that it once did. It can be physical, spiritual, emotional, or relational. When we allow ourselves to be filled with things that no longer serve us, we prevent new things from coming into our lives. As we journey through life, many people and opportunities will present themselves. If we don’t occasionally make space for the new, we risk becoming bogged down by things that may have become stale. And when we get bogged down, we cannot grow.

So, what can be released? Anything, really. It may be possessions, ideas, hobbies, relationships, or painful memories. The point is to examine pieces of your life, one at a time, carefully, and with compassion. There will be varying degrees of worth in the process. Some things will be obvious and easily released or will be clung to with enthusiasm because they still belong with us. Other things may take more time; be gentle with those things especially if they are relationships.

We are human beings, capable of growth and change. We can learn, find new passions, change our minds about ideas we have held close, and find new places to explore. And we meet people along the way. If we do not make room for new experiences and opportunities, we run the risk of becoming stagnant. This is vastly different from being content. Being content still allows for growth and passion, as evidenced by long, healthy relationships. Becoming stagnant does not.

If we become hyper-focused on one thing, positive or negative, we run the risk of missing out on possibilities that may only appear in our periphery. My hope for the year by releasing things is that I will be able to make space for new ideas to learn and grow. Holding fast to objects or opinions simply because they are comfortable is not necessarily to be celebrated. Being open to trying new things including food, opportunities at work, hobbies, and activities will allow for new passions and skills to take shape and find a home in my heart.

Reading opposing opinions, considering new ideas and processes allows us to grow as a society and become more respectful, educated, and compassionate people. We are meant to learn and grow throughout our lives. It is not a privilege reserved for children.  Growth is an equal opportunity.

My prayer for the year is to release enough to make room for fun, creativity, and joy that I might otherwise miss out on. Life is short, but it can still be exciting and full at any age. That’s my intention for 2024. Release. Be brave. Be kind.