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Letting Go: What Falling Leaves Can Teach Us About Mental Health

As the breeze cools down and the vibrant colored leaves begin to fall so gracefully of the trees, it serves as a reminder to us, to let go. Letting go is a vital part of growth. Just as the trees begin to shed their leaves to make room for new growth, we must also let go what no longer serves us to move forward.


Why Letting Go Can Be Hard?

Letting go of old habits, relationships and even memories can be one of the most challenging things for us to come across. Letting go can often feel like losing a part of ourselves because of our mental attachment, making it even harder to do. When a tree lets go of its leaves, it takes that time to heal and strengthen itself for the upcoming season and new beginnings.


How to Let Go

  • Self-Reflection: Take time to understand what you need to let go of and most importantly ask yourself “why?”
  • Setting Boundaries: Letting go is often associated with setting boundaries, whether that’s distancing yourself from toxic relationships, or as simply as saying “no”.
  • Mindfulness and Acceptance: Begin to practice mindfulness by being present with the discomfort that comes with letting go, accept that these emotions are normal.

Embracing Change: Natural Cycle

Fall reminds us that life is cyclical. Just as trees prepare themselves for renewal and growth, it allows us to find peace knowing that every ending is only a start to a new beginning. Natural cycle of change in seasons can help us adopt a mindset when it comes to our personal transitions.


The Power of Letting Go

As you look at the falling leaves this fall, consider what you might be ready to release in your own life. Letting go isn’t a one time event, but rather a practice that allows us to embrace the future with open arms. Just as the trees will soon stand tall again with new buds in the spring, you, too, will find new strength and growth after you let go of what’s holding you back!