It’s Hard to Let Go and It’s Hard to Hang On

man hanging on rope

Kauai has been on my bucket list for years because of its tropical rainforests to hike and explore and beautiful beaches to surf and snorkel. I thought it would be the perfect place to host a yoga retreat this year, but after a lot of research and conversation, I found myself really struggling to try to make something work.

It’s hard to let go and it’s hard to hang on. It’s hard to let go of a vision we have because we are afraid to disappoint, miss an opportunity, or admit it’s just not the right one or the right time. And it’s hard to hang on when it becomes too much of a struggle and fight.

When we struggle to make something work, feel frustrated and overwhelmed, we may not be in alignment with our most important vision and values. When I got honest with myself and acknowledged I have a few other things going on this year, like delivering my 12-Month Resilience Academy, finishing my book, and getting married, I had to admit the Kauai Retreat was turning into a big distraction, instead of a labor of love. 

I teach the importance of creating space not to just work in your life, but to work on your life to look at the big picture and remember what is most important right here, right now. As difficult as it was, I decided to let go of taking a group to Kauai this year. I am sad and I am relieved.

Now I have space (both time and energy) to better attend to my clients, my book, and our wedding. If you are struggling, trying to make something happen, look at it with fresh eyes to see if you are in alignment with your truest and highest vision and values. I was not. It’s hard to let go and it’s hard to hang on.

10 Comments

  1. Kim Powers on April 2, 2019 at 2:48 pm

    Thanks you for this confirmation.

    • Diane Sieg on April 3, 2019 at 1:26 am

      You are most welcome, Kim. We all have something(s) we are hanging onto we can let go.

  2. Julie White on April 2, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    Diane, I really enjoy these communications. It gives me a few minutes in my day to focus on something positive.
    I honeymooned in Kauai and it took me back to a happy memory, so thank you for that!

    • Diane Sieg on April 3, 2019 at 1:25 am

      Thank you so much Julie! We have decided to honeymoon in Kauai too!

  3. Phyllis Lewis on April 3, 2019 at 3:18 pm

    Dear Diane,

    This past week has especially been a struggle not to give up, and then I receive one of your helpful emails, This one helped me rethink my challenges. I have substituted “give up” with “let go” after reading your email,
    Thank you.

    • Diane Sieg on April 8, 2019 at 4:33 pm

      Hi Phyllis,

      I love your replacement of let go for give up. Actually, sometimes hanging on is giving up or giving in. Good for you!

      Warmly,
      Diane

  4. Denise Wertenberger on April 4, 2019 at 2:18 am

    Good for you, Diane! You were smart to give yourself permission to simplify your life so you can give your best to other priorities. There is nothing wrong with saying “No.” And you will love Kauai as a honeymoon spot!

    • Diane Sieg on April 8, 2019 at 4:32 pm

      Hi Denise!

      Thanks for your validation. Sometimes we do teach what we need to learn most!

      Warmly,
      Diane

  5. Laura Allender on April 6, 2019 at 8:56 pm

    Thanks Diane! It’s been many years since I first heard you speak at a national nursing conference, but you continue to share insights that resonate strongly for me. Enjoy your honeymoon on Kauai! We have a time share there and go as often as we are able, not nearly often enough for us!

    • Diane Sieg on April 8, 2019 at 4:31 pm

      Hi Laura,
      Thank you for letting me know my blog still resonates with you after many years. I would for you to remind me which nursing conference we met at.

      Warmly,
      Diane

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