let go

“Let go of your story so the universe can write a new one for you.” Marianne Williamson

This is a time when we are usually thinking of freedom and independence in political terms, but I want to go a little different direction here. Let’s talk for a minute about the freedom to create our own reality and thereby change the world.

I loved this quote the minute I saw it. Marianne Williamson is a wise woman.

We get so caught up in our personal history (our stories, if you will) that we forget that we sometimes keep ourselves chained to the past, unable to move forward. This is something I know a little about.

For many years people who I have to believe meant well encouraged, and sometimes required me to keep repeating my story, over and over. My story became my identity and I was led to believe that is would never change. I was irreparably damaged. There was no way out. My story was who I was and would always be.

I tried not to believe it, but it wasn’t always easy. It has been a long and sometimes difficult journey to break free and reclaim my life. Writing a new story has not always been easy, but it has been so worth it.

It is not easy to let go of a story, but one freedom we always have is to change our mind. Change your mind, change your life.

That doesn’t mean denying or ignoring what happened in the past. It means beginning to look at the present moment and then toward a brighter future. Don’t worry if you haven’t “resolved your issues” yet. Issues get resolved when we commit to life and start to really live.

If your story has you in bondage, let go. The universe so wants to write you a new one.

This month our Thoughts for Today will be thoughts on freedom from well-known and not so well-known people from different walks of life.

So, the espirational question for July is, “What is freedom or living free for you? Let’s start a conversation and see where it leads us.

“Begin today. Declare out loud to the universe that you are willing to let go of struggle and eager to learn through joy.” -Sarah Ban Breathnach

This is the time of year when we look toward the new year. Many of us make plans, resolve to change and set intentions. These are all well-meaning and we really do intend to make them happen, but too often they are forgotten by February or at least March.

Before we start into the new year and add more into our lives it is a good idea to let go of anything which is no longer serving us. Letting go is not easy for many of us. We hold on tightly even to the pain and hurt of the past because we are afraid of the unknown territory we may find ourselves in if we let it go. We may believe that we have to keep working on our issues until they are somehow resolved, when the answer may be to just let go.

This is a time to really let go and let God. Let it all go and don’t pick it up again, even there may be temptation to do so.

In Unity Churches the Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s is observed with the sacred ritual of the burning bowl. This is a time to write things we want to release on a piece of paper and burn the paper in the flame of a candle. This is followed by each person writing a letter to themselves affirming the new, not hanging onto or mourning the old. This letter is read privately at the end of the year by the writer.

This is a prayerful and sacred ceremony, but it is something that may be done at home. Choose a way to burn the paper (it is a small piece of paper) in a way that is safe. You do not have to use a candle. If you have a fireplace you may throw it in the fire. Reverend Erin of Unity Village Chapel tells the online congregants they may write on toilet paper and flush it. Creates a little different imagery but it still works.

As we get ready to begin the new year let us affirm together. I release and let go of the things that have held me back and move into the new year with love, peace and gratitude. And so it is. Thank you God.