Let it go

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how much I loved Frozen, and how I am adopting its main song (which was nominated for a Golden Globe Award), “Let It Go,” as my anthem. As I move into 2014, I find myself letting go of more things that are not important—and especially things that drive me nuts.

This morning I called my mom, asking for advice about a sticky situation. I felt like I was backed in a corner, declawed with no way out. “I keep trying to be nice and I do everything I can but it’s not working!” I told her. She reminded me that it’s not my job to make others happy, it’s not my job to accommodate everyone in the world, and that my home is my sanctuary. In short, she gave me the courage to let a prior obligation go.

When I said it wasn’t an option, she said everything is an option and I don’t owe anyone anything. And she was right.

The world is not going to stop spinning if you don’t make something for the bake sale, or you bow out of a burden in your already-full schedule. In this case, I didn’t even bow out completely, but tweaked my involvement in order to make it more manageable for my family and me. I’m already feeling the weight off my shoulders and I can’t help but wonder what else I can do to release some of these feelings.

And I have a new rule: People who do not like me or my family are not allowed in my home. It’s not a difficult rule to follow, as long as you know who doesn’t like you! Perhaps it’s better to word it, “People who ACT like they don’t like me or my family are not allowed in my home.” Playdates? Check. Organized activities with mixed groups, some of whom treat us with obvious disdain? Yeah, those can meet in a public place.

Let it go.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia