Letting go can save you from further cracks in the foundation.
After a moment, I would lift my legs and allow gravity to move me forward.
Slowly, I would labor myself higher and higher.
Ethan Hoover
My legs fought against resistance with each pump while I relished in the wind blowing through my hair.
I closed my eyes, leaned my head back and allowed myself to wander to the sky.
This must be what it feels like to fly.
Ethan Hoover
But, I never jumped off.
The anticipation of what could happen if I simply let go overwhelmed me.
I could scrape up my knee, bruise myself, twist an ankle or break a finger.
What if I came home hurt and my parents were upset with me for being so reckless?
I used my feet to slow myself down until I came to a full stop.
Never once daring to take a risk; never once able to let go.
It wasnt until recently that I realized I let go of people the same way.
I fight against the process just like I fought against the wind with my legs.
To me, the fight is worth avoiding the pain that accompanies no longer talking with someone.
Rejection, hurt, confusion, heartbreak, often overwhelm me.
Moments replay in my head and I find it harder and harder to let go of the strand.
If Ijustcut it, the destruction will stop.
The tapestry can continue, even if it no longer incorporates that strand.
If I keep pulling, Ill leave nothing left to the salvage.
It will be nothing more than a pile of loose thread.
Ill have to start over once more.
An internal battle ensues, I can feel my heart breaking, and yet, I still hold on.
Recently, I found myself on a playground alone.
I walked along the perimeter of the fence, reminiscing on my moments spent here when I was younger.
My eyes scanned the playground until they fell on the swings.
My legs, longer and more muscular, allowed me to fly higher.
I leaned my head back and listened to the wind whistle by.
Only this time, I let go.
I jumped at the highest peak and tumbled forward.
Sure, it hurt a little, but it was the most freeing moment I ever had.
In that moment, a realization swept over me.
Its okay to let go.
In fact, youll end up growing from it.
Tightening the vice around a friendship will only cause irreparable damage.
