Letting It Go

“Let it go.” A phrase that’s been used, overused, and at times, abused. We hear it so often on daily podcast, self-help blogs, even friends telling us to release our burdens and move on. Some of these messages come from personal experiences, while others are rooted in psychology and human behavior. We may have read them, believed in them, and even convinced ourselves that we're ready to embrace it when the time comes. But are we really?

I, too, have faced moments where I felt this was my time to let go. Some of these moments passed easily, leaving me feeling lighter. Perhaps it was strength, or maybe the situations weren’t too close to my heart, making it easier to release them. But what about those situations that are deeply intertwined with not just our hearts but our egos? Is letting go still as easy? I don’t think so.

Two years ago, I ventured into starting my own business. It seemed like the right time, but soon I realized that I wasn’t cut out for it. The problem wasn’t a lack of contacts or experience. It was a lack of the specific skill set required to run a business successfully. Deep down, I knew this even before I started, so the disappointment wasn’t overwhelming. Circumstances led me to take that step, and for that, I’m not upset. I’m grateful that my decision didn’t bring my family to financial ruin. If there’s a silver lining, it’s the blessing that I could walk away with my family still secure.

The first year of my business had some success. But by the second year, it became clear that I wouldn’t even reach half of that. I pushed harder, but soon found myself hitting rock bottom. With zero business prospects and only a couple of months left before my license was due for renewal, I was forced to ask myself: should I continue?

If I didn’t, my only option would be to find a job to support my family. At 45, finding an executive or desk job isn’t easy. And that’s where my ego kicked in. If I couldn’t find a job, I’d have to remain on a dependent visa—a blow to my pride as a man. Why is it so hard for men to make this decision? To admit defeat? To let go.

One lesson I learned from this experience is that my failure wasn’t due to a lack of knowledge, but rather the realization of where my true strengths lie. I’m not the type to lead by giving orders. My strength has always been in solving problems, finding solutions, and refining processes to make things run smoothly. I thrive when I’m given a clear scope of work, and I’ve proven time and again that I can excel in that capacity. But as a self-proclaimed introvert, I’ve made the mistake of never taking credit for my accomplishments. I did the work, handed it over, and let someone else take it forward. Was that the right choice? I’m still not sure.

Today marks a new chapter for me. It’s October 1st, and I’ve decided to let go. Rather than dwell on my failed attempt at business, I’m closing that chapter and looking ahead with an open mind. Maybe there’s a higher purpose waiting for me. At the very least, I’ll move forward with that thought, keeping hope alive. After all, isn’t it hope that keeps us going? A hope for a better tomorrow. A hope for a better self.

“Letting it go” isn’t easy, and it never will be. But today, I was reminded of something that gave me the motivation to act. While tending to my garden, I was pruning—a process where you remove select branches from a plant to improve its structure and encourage healthy growth. In that moment, something inside me clicked. Maybe that’s what’s happening to me now. Perhaps it’s time to prune my thoughts, let go of what no longer serves me, and allow room for new growth.

Pruning is not about cutting off what’s dead, but about removing even the healthy parts that no longer contribute to the plant’s future growth. Sometimes, we hold on to certain aspects of ourselves or our lives not because they are bad, but because we’ve grown attached to them. Letting go, like pruning, requires a discerning eye and a deep understanding of what will ultimately help us flourish. It’s about creating space for new branches to emerge—new opportunities, perspectives, and ways of being that can only take root if we let go of the old. In this sense, letting go is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength, a deliberate choice to cultivate the best version of ourselves.

As I move forward with this mindset, I hope my words reach some of you who may also need to “prune” your thoughts and let go. Let’s connect and share our experiences—perhaps together, we can inspire each other to embrace growth.