Today is a day for letting go they say. Apparently only 4 days into the year is a good time to re-evaluate your resolutions and let go of what may be causing you to abandon them already. I would think we could last longer than 4 days, right? Pay no attention that I am a week behind still on these posts.

Take a breath today and realize that there are always going to be struggles in life. There are always going to be ideals, fears, or even people holding you back. Charles R. Swindoll said, “Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it.” I think those are some powerful words to think about as we move forward into the new year.

When you let others control your reactions you become a passive observer in your own life. That is no way to live. So today, make a list of what is holding you back from your dreams and goals in life. You can do this mentally, or you can even write them all down. Spell a day suggests burning them to set them free and remove the energy from your life.

I have a different philosophy on this one. Once you have your list, figure out how you are going to change those things. If it is a particularly toxic habit (smoking or over indulgence in food) do something about it. Take a class, join a support group and STICK WITH IT.

If it is a draining and monotonous job that you feel is killing your very soul, first be thankful you have a job. There are those who would like to have a soul crushing job if it at least paid the bills. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot find something fulfilling to pursue in your career and leave that job to someone else. This might take years of planning and hard work, especially if it involves going back to school for training or certifications/degrees. That is perfectly fine. You just have to find your passion and chase it. Or maybe you can leave the office behind the moment the work day is done and pursue a hobby or other pursuit that will bring joy to your life.

If it is a person or group of people in your life that are holding you back from enjoying life, then take a hint from Olaf, my second favorite snowman (Frosty is still #1) and

(Image borrowed from google, they are stickers you can purchase here.)

You don’t need toxic people in your life. Even if they are “blood”, sometimes it’s better to cut ties than to let them continue to drag you down.

What do you need to let go of in your life in order to achieve your dreams in 2016? Share in the comments gentle readers. Sometimes just putting words to what is holding you back takes away its power over you.