Keith JonesJanuary 5, 2016

Some of the wisest people I’ve ever known told me to let things go that I thought were a big deal. It didn’t matter what it was. Their advice was all the same and it applied to personal relationships, business and life. Let it go.

The human experience on the planet is finite so don’t waste it wrapped up in a disempowering story or someone else’s business. While I live by this truth now, I didn’t always. I invested time and energy in my childhood story that I had to be perfect to be successful and that I can’t let people get too close because they will abandon me. This false belief hurt me in many ways. I obsessed about getting things right, judged people who didn’t do things “the right way” and valued material things over relationships. When it came to other people’s affairs, I had an opinion on how they should live their lives all the while ignoring how I could improve my own. My self-righteousness was out of control.

As I got older, I realized how the grudges and judgments I carried were hurting me. I knew a change how to be made if I wanted to be happy inside and out. My life purpose is to make a difference in the world. I can’t do that when I don’t forgive myself and others and love unconditionally.

A change had to be made. So I chose to let it go. It would be great if I could take a deep breath in and exhale all the emotional toxins I’ve ingested for years. But it doesn’t work that way. Everyday I have to consciously make a choice to not take things personal. I have to choose to accept people instead of judging them. I have to give up self-righteousness and extend grace and empathy. And I have to see negative stories and feelings about people and getting into their business as distractions that keep me from focusing my purpose

This life is short. Spend it doing something that helps you grow and lifts people up. If there’s something that is stopping you from loving everyone unconditionally, let it go. You’re only hurting yourself and those around you by using your precious energy in a negative way. Use your awesome and dynamic energy to love and inspire. Life is so much more enjoyable when lived this way. You’ll be happy you did.

Keith