'Bless and release'

Sometimes I chew over something again and again, seemingly unable to let go of it. It might be a fear, it might even be a grudge, or it can be old baggage. Often it involves another person: a friend, loved one, or a colleague of some type.

One amazing coach with whom I worked taught me her method of "Bless and release." I've been using it to good effect ... and I always recommend it to others, too.

When I am carrying a grudge, for example, or angry with someone, I first let myself feel the anger and the emotion of the grudge. And then I bless the person—or the situation—and let go. (If it helps to imagine dumping that grudge or anger into the sea or setting it on fire, do that. Do whatever helps you really shake it off.) Lest you think this is a one-time-only deal, let me assure you that it takes time. It's a process. Typically, I have to repeat the bless and release process many times before I've really let go. Even if you are blessing a person or situation through gritted teeth, don't give up. Just keep blessing. And releasing. Blessing. And releasing.

It is positively freeing to really let go of things that hold us back. And anger, grudges and old baggage really do hold us back. They can feel like the proverbial ball-and-chain as we continue to lug that stuff around.

Let go. Let go some more. And let go again. I invite you to try the "Bless and release" method for yourself. Please contact me if you'd like to talk more about this. I always offer a complimentary, absolutely no-obligation strategy session to anyone who requests it.