the power in release

i've always been the kind of person who holds on. both figuratively and literally, i hold on tight. i'm pretty sure i caused a boy i once knew to lose circulation when i held onto his wrist with all my strength as we went on a terrifying ride at the mall of america. year after year, i grip my sister's hand as we make our annual jump off the dock into the freezing lake water to kick off summer. i remember what it's like to hold that special someone's hand walking down the street and not want to let go. 

i hold on to relationships until i absolutely can't anymore. i hold on to hope that things will change, that people will come back to me in the ways that i want them too. i hold on to what i thought things or people would be. 

there is something to be said about holding on. holding on can be beautiful, a sign of loyalty and commitment. it can be a sign of strength and perseverance to hold on even when things are difficult. there are some things i truly believe we need to hold on to. but in certain situations, it can be damaging. it can tear at your self-worth, filling you with doubt, confusion, and a loss greater than the loss that would've been if you had just let go- the loss of yourself. 

deciding what to hold on to and what to release can be a challenge, but i've been learning recently that it doesn't have to be so complicated. who brings you joy? what makes you laugh? who makes you feel authentically yourself, and loved for who you are? who has been there for you through it all? what kind of career brings out the best in you? who encourages you to be better, to seek Jesus? who do you really need to be there for? these are the people, places, and activities that are worth holding on to. 

but there are also times when release is necessary. when you're holding on to people who continually make you feel inferior simply for being yourself, release. when you've already been told an answer but are just waiting and waiting and hoping they will change their mind, release. when your peace is being taken away by people who don't even really know you, release. when you are staying somewhere or with someone simply because you're scared to get out of your comfort zone, release. when you are holding on too tightly to expectations, release. 

i love these beautiful words by alison malee.

"be so full that even if

they take & take

& take & take

you can still be 

overflowing." 

i truly believe that in order to be full, you need to be able to release. it is a skill to say goodbye with grace, let go of what is weighing you down, and not hold on just for the sake of holding on. 

i think we all know in our hearts the people and things that we need hold on to, and the things that we are better off without. Jesus will help us discern what to hold on to and what to release.

i've been slowly learning that release is not a bad thing. 

it creates space for more people who love you for you, places that feel like home, jobs that bring joy and fulfillment, and more room in your heart for loving those around you.

in whatever way it looks for you, i hope you can be brave enough to release and let go.

it is incredibly freeing.

xx, gracie