RELEASE
As I am sitting in the airport waiting to board my plane home…I have no internet access and unable to send or receive email it is simply amazing how addictive our lives have become through technology. I have been people watching, trying to take this opportunity to relax, breathe in and take some of my own advice in “Takin Time Out” but for some reason the hustle bustle and over stimulation of an airport it is not working. I decided it was a perfect opportunity to start my blog for the week. I have been strategizing on what topic would be good to discuss since the last few weeks I have encountered several waves of emotions, interruptions and testing of my faith. As I am watching a mother trying to hang onto her toddler who desperately wanting down the word RELASE came to mind.
Can you close your eyes for a moment and envision this scene with me, the struggle with a little one…what comes to your mind when you see this toddler wanting down is the mother afraid to allow for fear he will run off, get into something he shouldn’t, crawl around on the dirty floor where there might be germs (lol I think germs are good) or is it fear he might disrupt someone else’s space? We have all seen it yet the distraction of watching the child wiggle and squirm and almost flip out of her arms becomes comical. The child is determined to get his way the mother challenged to keep her power wrapped around his body until she has finally has had enough and lets him down…finally a RELEASE has come and he is off and in reality they both feel so much better!
Yes there are different forms of RELEASE and the word can be positive or negative energy to oneself. So as I sip on my scrumptious cup of peach ginger tea and taking a deep breath I will try to explain my take and hope you absorb the lesson I am trying to explain. The word RELEASE has been very powerful for me the last week or so.
When I say the word RELEASE…a positive twinge of excitement can enter my veins, thinking about the anticipation of something new. How many of us are waiting for the newest RELEASE of the latest technology such as a new I-phone, Apple device or perhaps you are an Android user? I have known people who stand in line camped outside the store (which personally I think it’s crazy)…just to be one of the first for the RELEASE of the latest and greatest. Perhaps it is a new release of a movie with our favorite actor, a new book written by your favorite author or a new single or album from your favorite artist in music. A few years back I can remember my children would drive me crazy wanting to know when the new RELEASE of the latest Pokémon cards or Beanie Baby by Ty would be coming out? To me this type of RELEASE causes anticipation and excitement. The adrenaline is flowing. The new body style of a car, boat or RV. Reality check, we truly live in such a material world! Yet there can be another take perhaps a loved one or even yourself is preparing to be released from the hospital, rehab center, physicians care, weight loss program or perhaps even jail or prison. This brings a sigh of relief and an attitude of gratitude you made it through the storm and are ready for the next step…
RELEASE, I think of those who have nursed a wild animal back to life and it comes time to RELEASE it back into it’s normal habitat. Perhaps you are a fisherman who loves to fish but you prefer to catch and release, I have a client who I asked if he was ever going to get remarried…he paused and a slight grin appeared on his face. He said oh no…I date like I fish it’s catch and release only in my world! LOL…
Referring back to the mother and child struggling…how often do we try soooo desperately to hang on to something or someone against their will? As we watch our children grow or our parents age many times we wish we could put them in a bubble, safe and secure so desperately wanting the clock to stop so we could savor that stage a little longer? Yet we must release our power and move on it is all part of life!
How many of you are in a relationship that you need to release the stronghold? Deciding to end a relationship might not be the same as actually leaving. But releasing the struggle is more of what I am referring to. Perhaps you are trying to control that person or situation and you truly can’t nor should you. God designed each of us uniquely and we have a part to play but controlling someone is not in his plan I can assure you. Scripture tells us “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” —ISAIAH 41:13 or “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” – MATTHEW 6:33
There truly are situations that someone is in such a toxic relationship they should leave but fear holds them back…The more entangled you are, the more logistics might have to be worked out. I’ve found that the hardest relationships to get out of are the ones that are the most dysfunctional. The stress definitely takes its toll. That’s why you might need some help. Seek guidance from a coach, therapist, or a really grounded friend—the kind that loves you unconditionally and isn’t afraid to (metaphorically) slap you back to reality. If you fear for your safety in any way, definitely build a strong team to support you in the transition and leave…RELEASE it NOW!
Many relationships are set up for failure…I love the saying from Mandy Hale “When you release expectations, you are free to enjoy things for what they are instead of what you think they should be.” We all need to RELEASE our expectations….don’t get ourselves worked up for the unknown robbing us for the enjoyment of today. How many times have we awfulized (my friend taught me that word and I just love it) a scenario in our head played it out to be much worse that it was robbing us of the enjoyment of the NOW and the present? Maybe that expectation was too high for the other person and they feel bad for letting you down.
The whole purpose in referring to this word this week is each and everyone of us has someone or something we need to release…Take your hand and make a tight fist….hold it for a couple minutes or so…tighter I know you can hold it tighter…tighter the force is so tight your hand begins to ache now open up your palm slowly and can’t you feel the relief? Just by releasing that power, that force you automatically get instant relief! As you are “Takin Time Out” what’s in your bag or your palm you need to open up and RELEASE…let it out…free it and you both are no longer struggling in bondage. Until next time my friends let’s RELEASE more and enjoy today for there are no guarantees of what tomorrow may bring…
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