Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 109: Letting Go

Hi steemit family

LETTING GO

Letting go is one of the hardest phase life teaches us. It may sound simple when saying , but when you are the one facing it you realize it needs strength, courage, and sometimes tears. To me, letting go means releasing something or someone that no longer brings peace or growth into your life. It is not about hatred or bitternes but accepting that certain people or situations have served their purpose and it’s okay to move on.

When I think of “letting go,” I see a hand that has been holding on tightly for long, loosening its grip and allowing freedom take over. That freedom usually come with pain at first, but later brings peace. It is about learning that holding on does not always mean caring, and letting go does not also mean giving up but sometimes, it means choosing peace over pressure.

Have had a personal experience with letting go, and it came from where I least expected my friendship. I had a close friend from church, my only female friend actually everybody knew about my family, community everyone that came across me and we were deeply close. We shared a lot of things together, plans, conversations about life to prayers, laughter, jokes pains she literally knew what surrounds me She was someone I could easily talk to, I trusted deeply. Our friendship meant a lot to me, and at some point, I couldn’t imagine not having her around.

Father

But as time went on, I noticed our values and perceptions about life didn’t really align. We saw things from different perspective It wasn’t something that caused a fight between us, but I started realizing that being around her made me doubt myself too often. I was the open type one that speaks out but she ,she's really cunning and secretive I found myself trying to adjust or explain myself just to make things feel okay.

At first, I thought maybe it was just a phase. I tried to keep things as they were. I didn’t cut her off, but I started giving space to see things clearly. Slowly, the closeness faded. We still greet each other warmly, but the deep connection we once shared isn't there anymore. It is a silent goodbye that neither of us talked about.

To be honest I felt guilty at first. I thought I was being too sensitive or too distant. I even blamed myself for the change between us. I kept asking if I was doing the right thing. But deep down, I knew that holding on to something that no longer felt healthy for me wasn’t fair to either of us. I didn’t lose her because of a fight; I just realized I needed peace more than the pressure of keeping things that no longer flowed naturally.

Letting go of that friendship didn't happen easy, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I stopped forcing what no longer felt mutual not caring .That’s when I realized sometimes people are meant to be in your life for a while not forever. Some friendships are there to teach you lessons not to last a lifetime.

Now when I look back, I don’t feel anger or sadness anymore. I feel peace. Letting go gave me a room to focus on myself and appreciate the kind of friendships that bring calmness instead of confusion. It allowed me breathe also reminded me that I don’t have to fight to keep everything or everyone. Some things are better left to fade quietly.

I have learned letting go doesn’t always mean closing the door completely. Sometimes it just means changing how much space something takes in your heart. You can still wish someone well, pray for them, and move on at the same time. That’s what I did. I stopped feeling guilty for choosing my peace.

So how do I know it was time to let go?

I knew when I noticed that peace only came when there was distance. Those were my signs.

The truth is, letting go comes in many forms. It could be a friendship, relationship, habit, or even a dream that didn’t work out. Whatever it is, the process is always hard because we humans naturally hold on to what feels familiar. But growth requires change, and sometimes change demands release.

I also believe that letting go is not something you do in one day. But rather it is a gradual process. There are days you’ll miss the person or thing you left behind. moments when memories sneak back and make you question your decision. But with time, you realize that peace is worth more than drama And when that peace finally sits in your heart, you know you did the right thing.

Right now I am grateful for that experience. It made me stronger and more self-conscious. I no longer feel bad about creating space when something doesn't sit well with me. I’ve learned that not every loss is a failure some are blessings in disguise. Sometimes, peace comes after you’ve released what was quietly holding you back.

Letting go taught me that love, friendship, grow deeper when there’s honesty. You can’t keep pretending something fits in when it doesn’t the more you hold back the more you struggle. But when you let go, you give yourself the chance to breathe and grow again.

So, if you ever find yourself in a similar place holding on to something that no longer brings you peace it’s okay to release it. You don’t have to hate anyone or feel bad. Just understand that your peace is worth protecting. Sometimes the best way to respect what you shared is by letting it go gracefully.

Letting go doesn’t mean you stop caring it simply means you finally choosing yourself.

Inviting@kwinberry @Axgustine @josepha to participate