Letting go is one of the hardest lessons in life, and by the same token one of the most painful. In life, there’s many things that we have to learn to let go of. We have to let go of situations, things, memories, people and even ourselves.

It’s easy to form an attachment to people and things. But after the attachment is formed, it can be a very painful experience  when you realize that it’s time to let go. Even the mere thought of not having that person or thing in your life  takes your breath away and squeezes your heart in pain.

However, there are times where you or that person has changed to the extent that it’s necessary to let go of the relationship or friendship, so that each of you can walk the path in life that fulfills you both.

Over the last year I have worked through the process of letting go and moving on….

These are some of the words I took to heart that helped me move on.

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Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.
– Author Unknown

Hanging onto resentment is letting someone you despise live rent-free in your head.
– Ann Landers

Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it’s all over.
– Gloria Naylor

There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn’t the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new life.
– Author Unknown

We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us.
– Joseph Campbell