The power of letting go what no longer serves you

It’s only been a couple of months since my last post, but it feels like a lifetime ago. These first few months of 2024 I’ve been reminding myself one of life’s most important lessons: to focus on what really matters and if something isn’t working out or doesn’t meet my needs or wants, to just let it go.

The power of letting go what no longer serves you. A phrase I can’t remember when and where I first came across, but one that often crosses my mind.

And that’s what I did. Having spent most of my Christmas holidays working on my MBA assignments, feeling burnt out from driving to lessons three times a week, and a constant worry to make enough time to focus on what I truly wanted to, as I’d been preparing a report on mental health best practices in other countries, for a non-profit organisation I volunteer for, as well as some training workshops I offered to run at my workplace, that I was really chuffed about and couldn’t wait to do, drained me physically and emotionally. On top of that, I felt guilty and deeply missed my friends and family as I had limited amount of time to see them and I barely spent any quality time with my husband, which was taking a toll on both of us.

I felt completely and utterly overwhelmed. I was irritated for the best part of the day, as my anxiety levels reached dangerous heights and I was always tired.

Something had to give. It was obvious what that should be, but it was tough making a decision, mostly because I didn’t want to disappoint the people who offered me the opportunity. I just hoped they’d understand.

The MBA was not how I expected it to be, I felt I hadn’t learned that much at that point and it was just exhausting, having to go to lessons three times a week, and working on assignments as well, whilst other, more interesting opportunities came up.

So, on one of our winter walks around the neighbourhood with the hubby, discussing this, he helped me figure it out.

I decided to defer for a year, and when September comes, I’ll reconsider my options. Do I really need an MBA, having a masters and a postgraduate diploma equivalent to a masters, plus a bunch of other qualifications? Should I go for a PhD instead? Should I focus on preparing and delivering training?

I don’t have the answer to any of these questions, but I’m happy with my choices so far, and giving myself time to think, recuperate and reassess. As a dear friend of mine reminded me last week, we’re wise and mature enough to not waste time on what doesn’t fulfil us. And I’m doing just that.

My journey to making a true impact and finding meaning and purpose continues, with a boosted confidence, more wisdom and knowledge, and also less stress, which is a true blessing.

Last week, on Green Monday, while watching our colourful kite fly up proudly next to the enormous, grey clouds I couldn’t but just smile.

Namaste

Eleni