Two things will always remain the same:

• There will never be a time when life is simple.
• There will always be time to practice accepting that.

Some believe we create and maintain problems because they give us a sense of identity. Perhaps this explains why we often hold onto our pain far beyond its ability to serve us.

We replay past mistakes over and over again in our head, allowing feelings of regret to shape our actions in the present.

We cling to frustration and worry about the future, as if the act of fixation somehow gives us power. We hold stress in our minds and bodies, potentially creating serious health issues, and accept that state of tension as the norm.

Every moment is a chance to let go and feel peaceful. 

Here are some ways to get started:

Let Go Of Frustration 

• Learn a new skill instead of dwelling on the skills you never mastered.

• Change your perception—see things as a blessing in disguise.

• Cry it out. Crying away your negative feelings releases harmful chemicals that build up in your body due to stress.

• Channel your discontent into an immediate positive action—make some calls about new job opportunities, or walk to the community center to volunteer.

• Use meditation or yoga to bring you into the present moment (instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future)

• Make a list of your accomplishments—even the small ones— and add to it daily. You’ll have to let go of a little discontentment to make space for this self-satisfaction.

• Visualize a box in your head labeled “Expectations.” Whenever you start dwelling on how things should be or should have been, mentally shelve the thoughts in this box.

• Engage in a physical activity. Exercise decreases stress hormones and increases endorphins, chemicals that improve your state of mind.

• Focus all your energy on something you can actually control instead of dwelling on things you can’t.

• Express your feelings through a creative outlet, like blogging or painting. Add this to your to-do list and cross it off when you’re done. This will be a visual reminder that you have actively chosen to release these feelings.

Let Go Of Stress

• Use a deep breathing technique, to soothe yourself and seep into the present moment.

• Immerse yourself in a group activity.  Enjoying the people in your life may help put your problems in perspective.

• Consider this : “Worry pretends to be necessary but serves no useful purpose.” Questioning how your stress serves you may help you let it go.

• Metaphorically release it. Write down all your stresses and toss the paper into your fireplace.

• Replace your thoughts. Notice when you begin thinking about something that stresses you so you can shift your thought process to something more pleasant, like your passion for your hobby.

• Imagine your life ten years from now. Then look twenty years into the future, and then thirty. Realize that many of the things you’re worrying about don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.

• Organize your desk. Completing small tasks increases your sense of control and decreases your stress level.

• Laugh it out. Research shows that laughter soothes tension, improves your immune system, and even eases pain. If you can’t relax for long, start with just ten minutes watching a funny video on YouTube.

**Letting go of unwanted things, habits, attitudes beliefs and even people is an ongoing process for anyone who wishes to unfold spiritually. 

 **Allowing and accepting more of who you really are requires reflection, always involves some pain and suffering, and requires loads of compassion for oneself and everyone around you. 

 **As much as possible, relax, enjoy it and celebrate the process as often as you can.  Know that letting go is the key to your growth and development throughout life.

Resources: Tiny Buddha