The Power of Letting Go: Why Release Brings Peace

Written By Danielle L.

The other night, I sat on my back deck with a cup of tea, watching the leaves fall from the trees. One by one, they let go, no hesitation, no fighting against the breeze, just a gentle release.

And it struck me: so much of life, especially in motherhood, feels like the opposite of that. We cling. We hold on tightly to routines, expectations, and the idea that if we just do everything “right,” we can shape the perfect outcome. But life doesn’t work that way. It throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs are what teach us the most about love, patience, and resilience.

My Journey in Letting Go

When my youngest daughter was 2, I started to learn the art of letting go, without even knowing it. She insisted on picking her own outfits, and for an entire year, she wore gold fleece-lined sparkly boots … every single day. Winter, spring, summer, fall. Shorts and boots in July? Absolutely. And she confidently marched to the beat of her own drum, ruffling a few old-fashioned expectations along the way - and I loved watching her do it.

That was my first real lesson in letting go. Letting her express herself. Letting go of the picture-perfect family photo outfit. Letting go of other people’s opinions. That lesson has stayed with me, and it’s one I think all moms bump up against in different ways.

Fast forward a few years, and my older daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). Parenting her has been another teacher in letting go - letting go of my plans, letting go of expectations, and learning to show up fully present in the unpredictable moments. From toddlers in glitter boots to navigating therapy appointments, medications, and school schedules, I’ve learned that letting go looks different at every stage of motherhood, but the principle is the same.

Tools That Helped Me Practice Letting Go

Along the way, I’ve found a few resources that really helped me embrace the art of letting go. One that stands out is Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory. The book isn’t about giving up; it’s about focusing on what you can control, and letting others be themselves. In parenting, this has been a game-changer: it reminded me that I can’t plan for every tantrum, every unexpected diagnosis, or every quirky outfit my kids insist on wearing.

Other tools I’ve leaned on include:

  • Journaling: Even 5-10 minutes a day of writing down worries, gratitude, or reflections can help you release mental clutter.

  • Meditation or Breathing Exercises: I start my morning with a simple 5 minute grounding routine that starts my day off beautifully. Even tiny pauses throughout the day, especially during chaotic moments, give space for perspective.

  • Self-Care Rituals: It could be a hot shower, a favorite podcast, or even just a cup of tea on the porch. Bonus: leaves falling from trees make everything feel poetic.

These tools, along with the mindset in The Let Them Theory, reminded me that letting go isn’t about giving up - it’s about creating space for life, love, and laughter to flow.

The Guilt We Carry

Letting go isn’t just about our kids, it’s about ourselves, too. Here’s the truth: we don’t have to say yes to everything. We don’t have to attend every single school event, sports practice, or bake sale.

This came up in a recent conversation with my sister-in-law (who’s raising three kids of her own). Some nights, it just feels impossible to make it to everything. And you know what? That’s okay. Our kids know we love them. They feel it in a thousand daily moments. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do, for them and for ourselves, is to rest. Because let’s be honest: no one wins a gold star for attending all the PTA meetings while running on fumes. The reality is, when we recharge, we can show up better, calmer, and more present.

Simple Ways to Practice Letting Go

  • Say no without over-explaining. “Thanks so much for inviting us - we’ll need to sit this one out.” That’s enough.

  • Choose presence over perfection. Leave the laundry for tomorrow and play a board game tonight.

  • Release comparison. Your family’s rhythm doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

  • Rest without guilt. Taking care of yourself is taking care of your family.


Tools That Helped Me Practice Letting Go

Over the years, a few tools have been especially helpful in guiding my journey:


A Gentle Reminder

The trees don’t resist when it’s time to release their leaves. They trust the process. And maybe that’s the invitation for us, too: to let go of control, of guilt, and of the pressure to do it all … and in that letting go, find peace.

Whether it’s letting a toddler choose glittery boots, adapting to an ADHD diagnosis, or saying no to commitments that overwhelm us, the act of letting go brings a deeper presence, patience, and peace to our family life.

Danielle L.
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