Letting go here looks less like erasing the past and more like making room for what is still unfolding. Redecorating and publishing are tangible acts that signal agency, not denial. They acknowledge that life has changed and that you are still choosing how to live inside that reality. I also respect the honesty about which strategies help and which do not. Loss does not become acceptable just because time passes, and moving forward does not require pretending otherwise. What you describe feels like continuing in motion while carrying love, grief, purpose, and choice at the same time.
I can relate well with what you're saying about lettting go and mindfulness. I'm still working hard to understand why I do the things I do and "why". I blame it on my upbringing, but now at 75 years of age, I've let my past self go. I relish old memories and music by Elvis, and I still listen to Elvis sing Blue Christmas every year. The music sends waves of childhood joy down my spine. I look forward to those moments. Like you I'm re decorating my home and getting rid of souveiners I've held on for years. I don't want to throw them in the garbage, so usually give things away to goodwill. The lighter weight feels good though. I love having the minimum of things. Keep up the good work and I'll share your story on Notes!
The tactile act of drawing out your emotions is underrated as a processing tool. There's someting about translating feeling into visual form that bypasses the cognitive loops we get stuck in. Used to sketch abstract shapes when processing tough stuff, and the physical act of moving pencil on paper created distance I couldn't find through just thinking or talking.
Hi, I totally agree with you - drawing is an underrated tool. As you say, it bypasses excuses and denials - getting to the real point of things, I've found.
A wonderful article, Janice. And I have to say, I do understand the cats' confusion. Poor things. I had a cat once, David was his name, and I remember him sauntering into the living room one day and screeching to a halt. He absolutely froze, not knowing where to turn. I had moved the armchair to a spot across the room. It was too much for him. Congratulations on the new publication! I look forward to hearing more about it!
Hi Sharron, yes - I feel bad for the cats, their favorite hiding places are gone, and they don't know what to do. The little one, Bailey, sticks to me like glue.
Thank you, Janice, for your thoughtful (and very practical) insights. It helps me process my emotions and my new challenges in this change of life season.
Congratulations on getting the book to a place where you are looking at publishing. Well done.
I've been through a phase of having to let go of the past. I came up with the phrase that I needed to relinquish the past in order to accept the present. When you are on the brink of that realisation it is very upsetting. But a few weeks in now and I am feeling more upbeat and looking to the future
Hi Cali, thank you! It's true, isn't it - we have to let go of the past - something we didn't want to do, but holding on wasn't working all that well either.
I took two significant steps towards letting go and moving forward this week.
Congratulations 🎊 enjoy your your new chapters.
Hi Kate, Thanks so much.
I started writing whatever this is at my VA medical appointment early today. I have found a home for it:
Turn the page
Yesterday was a lesson
Even though I might have been guessin ‘
And, sometimes, I don’t realize
just what I learned
But somehow, I earned the spoons
that I have to start my next new day
And now I'm turning the page
and see the blank sheet before me
that I will be filling out today
with my entries that will be engraved with my memories when I review them later
And I’m realizing that I am no longer a rookie
and the pages I have remaining
In my book of life are numbered
And I don’t want to encumber any more of them with regrets, and I bet that some of you might feel that way, too
So, remember, if today seems a failure
We can always turn the page
But, take one last look at this page
scribbled on and smeared with tears
and know it’s not too late to let love’s light
shine on it before you say good night to it
It only takes an instant to see that light
and say this day was the best day it could be
and then, with peace of mind
Turn the page
Hi David, Beautifully said.
Letting go here looks less like erasing the past and more like making room for what is still unfolding. Redecorating and publishing are tangible acts that signal agency, not denial. They acknowledge that life has changed and that you are still choosing how to live inside that reality. I also respect the honesty about which strategies help and which do not. Loss does not become acceptable just because time passes, and moving forward does not require pretending otherwise. What you describe feels like continuing in motion while carrying love, grief, purpose, and choice at the same time.
Hi Nicole, what a beautiful summation of the balance I am trying to live.
I know what you mean, and I fully understand and empathize
Hi, I never expected letting go to be this challenging.
Congrats, Janice, on these two milestones!
Hi Kristi - thanks so much. At the moment, they feel very good.
Hi Janice,
I can relate well with what you're saying about lettting go and mindfulness. I'm still working hard to understand why I do the things I do and "why". I blame it on my upbringing, but now at 75 years of age, I've let my past self go. I relish old memories and music by Elvis, and I still listen to Elvis sing Blue Christmas every year. The music sends waves of childhood joy down my spine. I look forward to those moments. Like you I'm re decorating my home and getting rid of souveiners I've held on for years. I don't want to throw them in the garbage, so usually give things away to goodwill. The lighter weight feels good though. I love having the minimum of things. Keep up the good work and I'll share your story on Notes!
You are making big steps. It is good to live in the present and look forward to the future while keeping wonderful memories.
Hi Val, that seems to be the best formula, doesn't it?
Congratulations to your decision and action on the changes, and sharing with us!
I also want to take the chance to thank you for all of your extremely helpful annd informative writings, and to wish you Happy Holidays!
Hi Megan. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoy the articles; they have been a lifesaver for me. Happy Holidays to you as well.
The tactile act of drawing out your emotions is underrated as a processing tool. There's someting about translating feeling into visual form that bypasses the cognitive loops we get stuck in. Used to sketch abstract shapes when processing tough stuff, and the physical act of moving pencil on paper created distance I couldn't find through just thinking or talking.
Hi, I totally agree with you - drawing is an underrated tool. As you say, it bypasses excuses and denials - getting to the real point of things, I've found.
A wonderful article, Janice. And I have to say, I do understand the cats' confusion. Poor things. I had a cat once, David was his name, and I remember him sauntering into the living room one day and screeching to a halt. He absolutely froze, not knowing where to turn. I had moved the armchair to a spot across the room. It was too much for him. Congratulations on the new publication! I look forward to hearing more about it!
Hi Sharron, yes - I feel bad for the cats, their favorite hiding places are gone, and they don't know what to do. The little one, Bailey, sticks to me like glue.
Thank you, Janice, for your thoughtful (and very practical) insights. It helps me process my emotions and my new challenges in this change of life season.
Hi Careen, these life changes certainly are much more challenging than I'd anticipated.
Congratulations on getting the book to a place where you are looking at publishing. Well done.
I've been through a phase of having to let go of the past. I came up with the phrase that I needed to relinquish the past in order to accept the present. When you are on the brink of that realisation it is very upsetting. But a few weeks in now and I am feeling more upbeat and looking to the future
Hi Cali, thank you! It's true, isn't it - we have to let go of the past - something we didn't want to do, but holding on wasn't working all that well either.