Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to Professor Jude and our GYMHA team for having me here today. Before I dive into the topic, I would like to acknowledge and pay my respects to the Aboriginal peoples of Australia, the traditional custodians of this land.
Now, let’s talk about the importance of letting go. Why is it so crucial? Allow me to share a personal story. Years ago, I went through a traumatic crisis that had a profound impact on me.
During that time, I not only experienced immense stress but also noticed a significant change in myself. However, it was not a positive change. It made me realize the significance of adapting and learning from such experiences. This is where the concept of letting go becomes essential for our well-being.
I found myself overwhelmed with bitterness, negativity, and a lack of focus on my goals. These thoughts started to affect my physical well-being, including my sleep and overall comfort throughout the day. I asked myself, “Do I have more reasons to smile or to complain? Am I giving myself positive affirmations?” It became evident that these feelings were hindering my progress.
So, what did I do? First, I took a step back and became an observer of my situation. I questioned myself: “What is more important? Continuing to feel this way or prioritizing my health?” It was clear that my health was the top priority.
To manage my stress, I began a process of self-counseling. By letting go of the negative thoughts and emotions, I was able to regain control over my well-being and move forward.
Remember, it’s crucial to recognize the impact of holding onto negativity and the power of letting go for a healthier and happier life.
Self-counseling may not work for everyone, but it worked for me, thanks to God’s grace. Each day, I guided myself to take necessary actions to overcome trauma and let go. This allowed me to become more flexible, adaptable, and perceptive. When we make mistakes, do we own up to them or hide in comfort? Letting go means forgiving those who hurt us.
Forgiveness is crucial for us to move forward. It enables us to be vulnerable and open. For example, I recently faced embarrassment when I couldn’t attend an event. I had two choices. The event was already underway. I am sorry I could not attend the event.
Self-counseling can be a powerful tool in overcoming trauma and healing from past hurts. While it may not be effective for everyone, it has been proven to work for many individuals, including myself. By taking daily actions towards letting go of pain and moving forward, we can become more resilient and open-minded.
One important aspect of self-counseling is owning up to our mistakes and learning from them. Instead of hiding in comfort, we must acknowledge our flaws and take responsibility for our actions. This allows us to grow and become better versions of ourselves.
Another crucial step in the process of self-counseling is forgiveness. Holding onto grudges and resentment only hinders our own healing journey. By forgiving those who have hurt us, we are able to let go of negative emotions and move forward with a more open and vulnerable mindset.
For instance, I recently had to miss an important event due to unforeseen circumstances. Instead of making excuses or feeling ashamed, I chose to apologize and take ownership of my mistake. This not only helped me grow as a person but also allowed me to let go of any embarrassment or guilt.
I had two options: apologize publicly the same day or wait until the next day to feel safer. I chose to apologize immediately. Initially, I hesitated because I didn’t want to experience more hurt and embarrassment. However, I realized that vulnerability is a choice we make. When we are unafraid to admit our mistakes and accept compliments, we show authenticity. So, let’s embrace who we are and be confident in apologizing and becoming better people. Thank you for your time.