The Liberating Art of Letting Go: How Self-Care Can Mean Saying Goodbye

In the realm of self-care, we often hear about adding things to our routines: meditation, bubble baths, yoga classes, and the like. But what about the power of subtraction? What about the liberation that comes from letting go of things that no longer serve us, even if they once did?

Let’s talk about toenail polish.

For years, my toenails were never unpolished. It was a part of my routine, a symbol of self-care, a little pop of color that made me feel put together. But as life got busier, as responsibilities piled up, I found myself neglecting this small act of adornment. The time and money it took to visit the salon became increasingly daunting. And when I attempted to paint them at home, the inevitable smudges and dog hair that found their way into the polish left me feeling frustrated rather than refreshed.

So, I made a decision. I gave myself permission to let go of this expectation, this standard I had set for myself. I allowed myself to embrace the beauty of simplicity, to prioritize practicality over perfection. And you know what? It felt fantastic.

In choosing to stop painting my toenails, I wasn’t just freeing up time and money. I was also freeing myself from the burden of unnecessary expectations. I was giving myself the gift of authenticity, the freedom to prioritize what truly mattered to me in that moment.

Self-care isn’t always about adding more to our plates. Sometimes, it’s about taking a step back and reassessing what’s truly important. It’s about recognizing when certain practices or rituals no longer align with our values or priorities and having the courage to let them go.

Removing things from our lives can be an act of self-love, a declaration of autonomy and self-awareness. It’s about reclaiming our time, our energy, and our sense of self from the demands and expectations of others.

So, if there’s something in your life that feels like a burden rather than a blessing, I invite you to consider letting it go. Whether it’s a beauty routine, a social obligation, or a self-imposed expectation, give yourself permission to release it. Trust that you know what’s best for you, and honor your intuition above all else.

In the end, true self-care isn’t about adhering to arbitrary standards or societal norms. It’s about listening to your own needs and honoring them with compassion and authenticity. And sometimes, the most radical act of self-care is simply saying goodbye to the things that no longer serve you.