The Year My Heart Finally Thanked Me - Learning to Let Go

Well, here we are. Another year has passed, and what a year it's been— an especially rough one for many in my circle.

For most I've talked to, it's been a barrage of cancer diagnoses, the loss of children, extreme illnesses, being forced into a new way of life, homes and jobs being taken away, being used, abused, and feeling betrayed by spiritual leaders they've trusted. Unfortunately, this list goes on. As an empath, my heart has broken a million times over this past year.

The Art of Letting Go

For me, other than hurting for my friends, I've not only seen but also learned the art of letting go. This is a lesson I've been fighting most of my life.

Since childhood, there was little to hold on to, so I've held on with such a tight grip that I would blindly see no wrong, make excuses, and be too forgiving and understanding—anything to keep the boat from rocking and tipping people out of my life.

But this year, whether with age, with wisdom, or with the art of learning to love myself, I've been able to release so many people into the sea because my eyes have been able to witness them from a distance. I still love them and wish them well. They will always be a part of me and my journey here on earth. There's no desire to erase them, only to remove them from my presence.

At first, it was scary to say goodbye to a thirty-plus friendship that I relied on like air, but with each day, this person slips farther and farther away. And not with hostility or anger, tools I'd have to internally put in place to say goodbye before, but with a hint of sadness and a large dose of strength. It's been as if my body has thanked me for finally, finally listening, protecting, and caring for me. It's always been so easy to give that to others, but not myself. I don’t know what has shifted, but I'm so thankful for it.

Releasing the Physical Baggage

The farewells to people naturally led to another, unexpected shedding. I felt forced, or perhaps, inspired to let go of the physical baggage. Things attached to those relationships and objects in my home that brought back bad memories. "Why keep them around?" I asked myself. They only cause harm, so off they went. Objects safeguarded for fifty-two years.

Things I've carried since childhood, from home to apartments, to different lives. Poof, removed. I expected to feel regret. But if it's coming, it's been months, and it's yet to arrive. There is a deep truth in feeling lighter when letting go of the added weight strapped to your back, or in my case, my heart.

On this last day of the year, December 31, 2025, since I know heartbreak is inevitable and loss is a huge part of life, my wish for you is that you have a better year ahead and find the strength to feel the love from those around you when the difficult times arise.

May you also soon see the reason behind the madness that occurred, see the angels step in to guide you, and place your deepest love inward, while you expand it outward.

Happy New Year, Everyone! Thank you for being in my world and navigating the ups, downs, and in-betweens with me.

Hugs and much love,

Monique

I'd love to hear from you. If you feel like sharing with me, or contemplating on your own, here's some food for thought.

Did you find the strength to shed something heavy this year, a relationship, a habit, or a long-held belief—what was the hardest thing you finally released?