The holidays are upon us! While I love the joy this season brings, I am also aware they can be a source of added mental and emotional stress that affects my wellbeing.
I listened to a Mel Robbins podcast recently entitled, The “Let Them Theory” and I liked it so much that I wanted to share it with you! Applying her theory has served me well. I have found it to be a powerful tool to use to preserve my peace of mind.
The theory is basically about letting go of trying to control or obsess over other people’s actions and instead, learning to stay focused on your own wellbeing. She talks in detail about the importance of letting people be who they are, do what they want to do, and not let it have an affect on your emotional state. It has helped me recognize when I am in a state of controlling vs a state of allowing. I realized how empowering it felt to step back and detach from situations that I would normally get emotionally involved in and just quietly say to myself, “let them.”
To help paint the picture here are a few examples of when to say, “let them”:
- When you are feeling hurt or left out – A friend has a holiday party where you didn’t get invited this year… let them.
- When you are feeling frustrated – Your spouse gives the kids too much holiday candy while you are out shopping… or someone cuts you off in traffic… let them.
- When you are feeling overly controlling – You child insists on wearing something you would really rather they didn’t… let them.
I have gotten clear as I wrap up the elemental season of Metal about when to step in and when not to. We will be transitioning into the season of Water on December 21st which is a time dedicated to using your inner intelligence, being discerning about where you want to expend your energy. There are going to be a lot of changes coming up as we head into the New Year and emotional intelligence will serve all of us well.
Have a wonderful holiday season.
In wellbeing,
Betsy