This evening I am sitting on the balcony of our hotel overlooking this view:
My family is on Spring Break in Virginia. We visited my sisters and cousins, ate ice cream, hiked a mountain, saw The Super Mario Bros movie today, and have finally arrived in Virginia Beach.
As we drove today I thought about what I had planned to write and then on what I wanted to write. So I'm letting go of the original post (that can happen any other time) and I'm turning to what is on my heart.
I get so tied to my work and my sense of self often comes from if I consider myself as having an impact or if I see myself as significant. This is based on my feelings which are in flux - especially when I'm exhausted.
This trip is helping me rest and really let go. I haven't been on social media much since last Saturday. I've hardly checked my email. I haven't really even thought about my clients or writing or laundry. And I am happy because I am not judging myself based on these things.
I want to be able to experience this freedom day to day. I want to let go of the expectations of myself to always be on, connected, and producing. I believe it is possible but I know it takes a lot of practice which this time away, this vacation, provides space for. And I want to bring home with me the freedom to rest, to exhale completely.
To do that I must continue to let go of my exhausting expectations of myself.
Would you join me?
Invitations by Enneagram Type
Here is my gentle invitation to you to let go of the things that exhaust you, even for a minute, an hour, a day…
Enneagram 1s, let go of aspiring to being right all the time.
Enneagram 2s, let go of doing for others.
Enneagram 3s, let go of appearing successful.
Enneagram 4s, let go of being original.
Enneagram 5s, let go of knowing it all.
Enneagram 6s, let go of planning for the future.
Enneagram 7s, let go of thinking it all through.
Enneagram 8s, let go of being strong.
Enneagram 9s, let go of pleasing others.
Reflection questions
Breathe in
Breathe out
We often expect letting go to happen in a moment. Or that it can only happen in a perfect world. If we release these expectations I believe we can find freedom on the other side in a new way of living.
As you consider your invitation above, consider:
Is it scary to let go?
Where can you go where this would feel safe?
Who do you need with you?
What would it look like after you let go?
What small thing can you do towards letting go today?