Be like a tree in autumn and let go

We're now in March and in the Southern Hemisphere that signals the start of autumn. It's interesting what we can learn from nature about the change of seasons and at this time of year, there's something particularly important that stands out.

The deciduous trees lose their leaves.

BTW - I wasn't sure if I'd spelt deciduous right so I Googled it (what did we ever do before Google!). Interestingly here's what the word itself means "falling off or shed at a particular season or stage of growth", and "not permanent." 

Autumn is a time of letting go.

The trees let go of their leaves - they've done their dash and they're no longer needed. The leaves are discarded as simply and easily as that.

I know this will sound crazy but imagine if these trees tried to hold onto the leaves. Channelling all their energy and effort to desperately keep them despite knowing that it's time to let go.

We do it in life, don't we?

We hold onto things - possessions, people, relationships, roles, beliefs, hurt, regrets and more - even when they're no longer what we need nor do they serve us well. While logically we know letting go is the best thing to do, we grasp hold with all our strength. Letting go seems so hard and painful, but is it really? 

Think about what you're holding and notice what you're telling yourself.

Here's an example of something I used to think and do (maybe you do this too).

I like to declutter fairly regularly. I gather up things and fill boxes and bags but then they'd sit around for months, sometimes years. Usually all that's required is for me to put the stuff in my car and take it to the charity shop. 

It was such a HUGE aha moment to realise I was holding onto the stuff because I was worried about what others would think. I was telling myself the same story, over and over again - what I have to give won't be wanted because it isn't good enough.

What usually happened when I finally took the stuff to the charity shop is the staff would be so genuinely grateful and I would feel a huge sense of relief that it was gone. Interesting isn't it, how the stories we tell ourselves aren't always true.

And it wasn't just the physical stuff that I struggled to let go of. I held on in other areas of my life because of the fear of not being good enough, being judged and not being wanted.

The key to dissolving or at least reducing fear is to identify and acknowledge it, then take action. 

So, as we move into autumn, what is it that you need to let go of so you can more easily move forward in life and business?

Understand what's holding you back - your fears and the stories you're telling yourself - and allow yourself to let go of what and who no longer serves you well.

It's okay for you to let go.

It's safe for you to let go.

Just think about how easily and effortlessly the trees lose their leaves at this time of year. They know it's time to let go and they do.

What's it time for you to let go of?