The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go. This should be a lesson to all of us that seasons are made for change and we should all learn how to let things and people go.
Ecclesiastes 3 says:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
And boy oh boy do I believe that. There anything that is not life-giving in your life is life-sucking. I refuse to let the walking dead drain me. There is a freedom that comes with letting go. Don’t get me wrong. It is not easy, however it is simple. Let it go, grieve the extraction and then move on. Yes, I said grieve. Anytime there is a major extraction in your life you must give yourself time to grieve. I think where many of us go wrong is we release things but don’t know how to handle the emotions that come after the release.
Use the 5 stages of grief:
Denial
When ever something has come to an end, the loss can be surprising and/or difficult to digest. Even if the extraction is your decision, you may have trouble believing and accepting it. Experts explains that denial is a type of defense mechanism that softens the immediate shock and protects us from the pain of a loss. By blocking out what is in front of you, you don’t have to think about all emotions.
Anger
Now, once reality has sunk in, some people become angry. You may feel anger with others or you may be upset with yourself for your own actions. During this stage of grief, emotions can become increasingly intense. It is usually a time of blame, irritation and disgust. Displaced anger is common, and you may find yourself having less patience and becoming easily aggravated with day-to-day tasks or situations.
Bargaining
So bargaining is a last ditch attempt at coming to terms with any decision. Experts say that this stage is often prompted by panic, fear and the desire to regain control. You may try to negotiate with yourself, “Was this really that bad?” or “Maybe I can hang on tho this of…” Just reminder the reason you decided to let go of that dead thing.
Depression
Depression usually sets in as a person completely understands they need to let go. It’s normal but DO NOT stay here.
Acceptance
In the last stage of grief, you come to accept the extraction. You embrace the guidance and support of others and slowly begin to let go of negative emotions. Then you resume your normal activities without overwhelming sadness. We begin to live again, but we cannot do so until we have given grief its time.
Go ahead and grieve as long as you give yourself permission to let it go my love.