Hold Tight and Let Go

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There is something to be said when it comes to the ones you love and how to nurture your relationships properly. Take kids for example. When they are younger it is paramount you hold them as tight as you possibly can. Infuse them with your love, confidence, and encouragement. 

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They need to know regardless of what they do your love will be there without question. There is a greek word "Agape" and it refers to a love that is unconditional. It knows no limitations. It knows no bounds. It is a love that loves relentlessly. This is the only way to love your children. 

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As they grow, it is crucial you begin to let go. The mother whose love is so deep her own fears of losing her son or watching him get hurt pours over into the way she guides him causing long term struggles. The father who loves his daughter too much to discipline will result in the same. 

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There is a progression of this love and care we must translate into trust and the ability to begin the process of letting go. As much as the smothering in the beginning is exactly what the child needs to feel, the need for them to be trusted and let loose is also just as important as they are moving into adulthood. 

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Hold Tight.Let Go.

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The principles of holding tight and letting go don’t just apply to parenting, they are essential in all areas of life. As we move through different stages of adulthood, we must learn when to hold tight to what truly matters and when to let go of things that weigh us down.

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In our relationships, our personal growth, and our goals, the same dynamic exists. There are times when we need to cling to what keeps us grounded...our purpose, our values, and most importantly the people we love. Then there are other times when we need to let go....whether it’s of fears, regrets, or people who no longer support our growth.

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Hold Tight

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To your purpose. Your purpose is your true north through the minutia of life. Without purpose, you will just work, pay bills, go home and watch tv, and start over tomorrow. You must define this and then defend it. If you do not, life itself will take the steering wheel and you are at the mercy of its direction.

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To your integrity. I have been on both sides of this coin. It takes too long to build and it's too easy to tear down to be flippant with. Life is just a series of relationships and without trust there will be no relationships. Integrity must be the foundation on which you build your life. It holds so much weight that without it, not only will you lose trust from others, you will lose trust with yourself. Do what's right. When it hurts. When you lose. When no ones looking.

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To your loved ones. I cannot say this enough. There is no life without the people you love. Guess what? Not everyone can be your best friend. You only have one spouse. You are the only father or mother to your kids. Acknowledge this list. The ones who are close to you, that believe in you, that pursue you. Then dig. Dig so deep into that relationships. Give them everything you've got. 

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Let Go.

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Let Go of Inhibitions. Inhibitions hold us back. Whether it’s fear of failing, worry about judgment, or simply doubting our own abilities, these limitations trap us in place. Letting go of your inhibitions is about freeing yourself to take chances. It’s about trusting yourself to step into the unknown and to mess up if that’s what it takes to grow. You can’t reach your potential if you’re constantly playing it safe.Let go of the fear and watch how the world opens up to you.

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Let Go of Unforgiveness. Forgiveness is hard but it’s required for moving forward. Holding onto anger and resentment only keeps you chained to the past. Letting go of unforgiveness doesn’t mean condoning what happened, it means you’re choosing peace over pain. Holding onto hurt robs you of your present and future. Letting go allows you to release the weight of negative emotions and free yourself to heal. This doesn’t happen overnight but the process is worth it.

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Let Go of the Past. The past will own you if you let it. We hold on to mistakes, missed opportunities, and regrets then let them shape how we see ourselves today. Letting go of the past means accepting it’s behind you and doesn’t have the power to define your future. Yes, it shaped you.....but it doesn’t have to stay this way. Letting go of the past allows you to step into your future with fresh eyes ready to create something new.

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Life is about knowing when to hold on and when to let go, a balancing act we all navigate in our own way. The key is recognizing that holding tight requires intention. Focusing on your future, making the right choices, and building deep relationships are all proactive deliberate actions.

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On the other hand when we fear, worry, or doubt; when we refuse to forgive; when we let our past mistakes define us...these are reactions. We fall into doing nothing until something happens to us, rather than taking control of our own journey.

In life, we are constantly faced with moments that ask us to hold on tightly and others that call for release. The dance between these two forces shapes who we are and who we are becoming. 

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Holding tight to what truly matters gives us roots, but letting go allows us to spread our wings. In each choice, in each moment, we find the courage to embrace both the weight of responsibility and the freedom of release. 

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Today’s Forced Challenge: I want you to FORCE yourself to attack at least one of these challenges:

1. Purpose Challenge: Take 10 minutes every morning to reflect on your purpose. Write down one thing you can do today that aligns with your deeper mission.

2. Integrity Challenge: Make a conscious effort today to act in alignment with your values, even if it means choosing the harder path. Reflect on how it feels at the end of the day.

3. Forgiveness Challenge: Think of someone you’re holding a grudge against. Take a step toward forgiveness, whether it’s through a conversation, a letter, or simply letting go of the bitterness.

4. Past Challenge: Write down one regret or past mistake that still lingers in your mind. Reflect on the lesson it taught you and then let it go...leave it in the past where it belongs.

5. Inhibition Challenge: Try something new and outside your comfort zone today, whether it's learning a new skill, speaking in public, or sharing an idea you’ve kept to yourself.

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As you move through today, remember that life is a delicate balance...a dance of holding tight and letting go. In the quiet spaces between, we build our lives. Let each step be one of intention, where you embrace the weight of your purpose and the lightness of release. Today is yours to shape.hold tight to what you cherish, and let go of what holds you back.

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"Holding on is believing that there’s only a past; letting go is knowing there’s a future." – Daphne Rose Kingma