Letting Go: The Mindset Clean-Up I Didn’t Know I Needed
“If you’re feeling stuck comparing yourself to others, learning to let go might be the mindset reset you didn’t know you needed.”
What Does “Letting Go” Actually Mean?
Letting go isn’t about giving up.
Not the “Let Them Theory” either — this isn’t a theory, and trust me… I have feelings about that one. But we’ll save that for another day.
I'll call this an act of passion for a peaceful life.
It’s about releasing the things that quietly drain your energy — comparison, grudges, self-doubt, unrealistic expectations, and the pressure to prove yourself to everyone else.
When you let go of what no longer serves you, you make space for clarity, confidence, and the next version of yourself.
Sometimes the biggest mindset shift isn’t adding something new to your life.
Sometimes it’s simply deciding what you're finally ready to release.
A Season of Reflection
I’ve been reflecting a lot lately, especially about what it means to truly let go of things that no longer serve me.
We’re in March 2026, and it feels like a whole lot has happened… and at the same time, a whole lot of nothing has happened.
If you’ve gathered anything about me so far — or maybe you’re just starting to — you’ll know that I’m an overachiever and high performer. I’m always moving, always doing the next thing.
And if I’m being honest?
I really don’t give myself time to celebrate.
First, it feels really awkward. Like… watching yourself talk on a recorded Zoom meeting awkward. Or hearing your own voicemail greeting and thinking, Do I really sound like that?
Second, my brain immediately jumps to:
“Okay… now what?”
“When is the proverbial shoe going to drop?”
Because in my mind, success always feels temporary. Like any minute now I’m going to lose my momentum and realize I’m no longer “on top of my game.” (Whatever that even means… according to me. LOL.)
Steam-Mopping My Mindset
This past weekend, I decided it was time to clean things up a little.
Turns out steam-mopping the house and steam-mopping your mindset have a lot in common.
I started making a list of things I needed to let go of.
The first place I started?
Social media.
At the beginning of the year, I removed Facebook and LinkedIn from my phone. I kept Instagram, but I silenced the alerts.
This past weekend, I went into my Instagram and started deleting old posts.
And wow… that was enlightening.
My Instagram has had about three different glow-ups over the years.
It started during COVID when I tried being a health coach for a weight-loss company. I did lose a considerable amount of weight during that time.
But guess what?
I’ve since gained most of it back.
And honestly? That whole experience made me realize just how real diet culture is.
What bothered me most wasn’t the weight. I realized how deeply I had been conditioned to believe that my body size determined how people viewed me as a leader.
Because somewhere along the line — thank you kindly, Army — I learned that being “fit” meant being more respectable, more credible, more worthy of leadership.
So the first thing I’m letting go of is:
Judgment of myself.
Negative self-talk.
Self-doubt tied to the number on a scale.
Letting Go of Grudges and Unreciprocated Support
The second and third things go hand-in-hand:
Letting go of people who don’t appreciate me.
And letting go of grudges.
And yes… my Instagram posts helped me realize that too.
After that health coach chapter, I went on to become a certified life and success coach.
Through that journey, I had support from my husband, my son, my parents, my grandma (she always supported me… minus the Army situation), my Aunt Emma, and maybe two really good friends.
The rest of the time?
I did a lot of it on my own.
It’s funny how we are so quick to like, comment, repost, and hype up strangers online, but not always our own friends and family.
Listen — I’m guilty of that too.
But lately I’ve been trying to do better about showing up for the people who show up for me.
I used to hold grudges about the lack of support.
But not anymore.
Because when you truly have the love and encouragement of the people who matter — including yourself — everything else starts to fade into the background.
And strangely enough…
That’s when the pieces start to fall into place.
Letting Go of Comparison
Which leads me to comparing myself to others.
The truth is, I’m unique in my own way, and my path isn’t meant to look like everyone else’s. My journey looks a whole lot different — and honestly? I’m okay with that.
I don’t want to be some social media influencer. I really don’t have the time or the energy for all that.
I’ve always said that if I can help just one person, then I’ve done my job.
But here’s the reality:
I’ve helped over 300 people, and no algorithm gets to decide whether that matters.
Taking a Chance on Myself
I’m also learning to take a chance on myself and stop living in those “what if” moments.
Because when I really think about it, those moments usually come from wanting approval from other people.
And I can’t even take credit for learning this lesson.
That honor goes to my very courageous son.
He tried out for his school football team. He didn’t make it — but he still tried.
Next year he’s transferring to a new school because he doesn’t feel challenged where he is now. And that decision? That came from him. Not something my husband or I planted in his head.
Yes, I’m the one who tells him, “Try it and see what happens.”
But let me tell you something…
It’s not always easy to follow your own advice.
Recently, I applied for a management position and put myself out there.
I didn’t get the job.
But I took a chance on me.
And honestly?
That’s the part that matters.
And this isn’t the end of the story.
Trust me, I’ve got a few more things up my sleeve.
Our doubts can steal opportunities before we even try. But sometimes the bravest thing we can do is exactly what my son did, take the chance anyway.
Making Space for the Next Chapter
Every part of this journey has led me to who I am today.
Letting go creates space for the next chapter.
And listen… It’s not always easy.
I still struggle with the whole weight thing. I’m trying to lose weight, but between perimenopause and a body that’s been through a lot, sometimes even a stroll around the neighborhood leaves me in pain.
But will I still be out and about living my Hot Girl Summer?
F*CK yes.
Am I still a great leader?
Hell yes.
Because none of those things — the scale, the pain, the doubts, or the opinions of other people — get to decide who I am.
I do.
Letting go isn’t about giving up; it’s about making space for the next chapter.
Your Turn
What’s one thing you’re ready to let go of?
Grudges?
Doubt?
Comparison?
Someone else’s expectations?
Whatever it is — you’re allowed to release it.
And trust me… life feels lighter when you do.
📌 Quick Note (Because We Keep It Real Here)
I’m not a therapist, psychologist, or doctor — and I don’t pretend to be. Everything I share is rooted in my lived experience. Please consult a licensed professional for personalized support.
If you're in crisis, call 911 or contact the 988 Lifeline. You're not alone. Real help exists, and you deserve it.
