Letting go and practicing objective thinking can be powerful tools in the journey toward healing from mental health challenges and addiction. Letting go often means releasing control over the things we cannot change, including past mistakes, regrets, or the actions of others.
Objective thinking encourages us to look at our situation from a non-judgmental, non-attached lens, focusing on facts (what is physically actually happening) rather than emotional responses or distorted thinking patterns. When we remain objective, we can actively choose whether the distressing situation will impact us and how we preserve our sense of wellbeing no matter what life throws at us.
What is the Difference Between “Letting Go” and “Giving Up”
Intention vs. Failure Mindset
How often are you holding onto various distressing situations out of fear of “giving up” on them?
Let Go of Identity, Expectations of Ourselves and Others
Non-attachment is freedom. What do you want freedom from?
What is not letting go costing you? Not about getting rid of emotions, but allowing them in and listening to them.
Reflect on a time when holding onto certain thoughts or feelings made your recovery or mental health journey more difficult. How did it impact your emotional state or your ability to move forward? Conversely, think of a situation where you were able to let go or view a problem objectively. How did that shift in thinking help you cope or make progress? In what ways can learning to let go and adopting a more objective perspective support your ongoing recovery and well-being?
Trying to Add More Tools to Our Tool Box
Tie what they said back to the topic, what are their takeaways/proud moments?
The Guest House (Rumi)
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.