Release the Past

How to Let Go of the Past and Move Forward with Clarity

We all carry memories that weigh on us. I don’t mean the lovely or fun ones! I mean the comment that hurt, the mistake we now regret, or the time we felt ashamed, afraid, or overwhelmed by what was happening around us.

While the past cannot be changed, how we carry it is within our control.

Letting go does not mean forgetting or pretending something never happened. It means permitting ourselves to move forward without allowing past experiences to define us. But ‘letting go’ isn’t always easy or straightforward especially when something still feels heavy.

Why Is Letting Go So Difficult?

Human brains are designed to remember emotional experiences, especially upsetting ones. It’s a survival mechanism that helps us avoid danger. But sometimes we revisit old hurts not to learn from them but to punish ourselves or remain stuck in fear.

You might find yourself replaying past events, questioning what you said or did, or holding onto resentment that drains you emotionally. These habits can affect sleep, relationships and our self-esteem.

Letting Go Is Not Weakness

Letting go is an active, courageous choice. It means deciding that your wellbeing matters more than guilt, shame, or bitterness. It doesn’t mean excusing bad behaviour or pretending you weren’t hurt. It means choosing peace over rumination.

Letting go may be especially important if:

You’re still angry about something that happened ages ago
You struggle with regret or “what if” thinking (coulda woulda shoulda)
A relationship ended and you’re carrying unresolved feelings
You feel stuck and unsure how to move forward

How Can I Start Letting Go?

Letting go is a process, not a one-time decision.

Letting go often starts with acknowledging what happened, how it made you feel and what you need now in order to heal. Here are a few gentle ideas to try:

Name what you’re holding onto. Write it down. Seeing it clearly is the first step toward releasing it. What am I bothered by?
Accept what you cannot change. This is not about liking it. This is about acknowledging your reality so that you can accept it.
Shift from blame to understanding. This is not about approval but about freeing yourself from the grip of resentment.
Practise self-forgiveness. If you are holding guilt, ask what you would say to a close friend in the same situation.
Create new routines. Letting go sometimes involves letting go of habits, people or spaces that no longer support you.

Small Steps Count

Letting go does not mean everything will suddenly feel better.

Some days are harder than others. But even small actions like going for a walk, journaling your feelings, speaking kindly to yourself are progress.

You’re allowed to grow beyond your past. You are not the same person you were during those difficult times. You’ve learned, changed, survived and you can keep moving forward.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

For practical support, download the free worksheet:
Click Here: 35 Ways to Let Go

This printable guide offers compassionate suggestions to help you loosen the grip of the past and reclaim your peace.