Read the lyrics to Disney’s Frozen with me.
“Let it go, let it goCan't hold it back anymoreLet it go, let it goTurn away and slam the doorI don't care what they're going to sayLet the storm rage onThe cold never bothered me anyway”
Oh, how true those lyrics are today. But at the same time, it’s easier said than done, isn’t it. “Just let it go!” “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Both those quotes are difficult. Words do hurt. It’s not easy to let go of everything that’s said to us or let go of people that we want in our lives, but they don’t want in our lives. It’s hard to walk away relationships that you’ve had for years but have fizzled out. Let’s not forget about that driver that cut you off.
I’m going to let go of toxic relationships. To be honest, I can get very lonely living alone. Having even just one person that texts me can be a blessing in disguise. But not all my relationships have been healthy. Some people have used me to temporarily to move up in their world. Others have used me for their selfish desires. The very few have lied to me time and time again but try to stay in my life. I’m not going to wait for a third and fourth chance. If I want to move on, I’m going to; whether that’s blocking, removing from social media, or just not responding. It’s time to…let it go!
I’m going to stop reacting to drivers who don’t use their turn signal, speed past me, cars with no lights on in the dark, or are just plain reckless drivers. If you’re one of these drivers be careful. When I first started driving, I was racing everywhere. Pedal to the medal in Dodge Avenger! Now days, I take it easy. Not slow as a snail easy, but with the flow of traffic and the speed limits. Seeing the driving in Florida has hit a nerve with me over the years. I’ve had very angry reactions (within my car) at the things I’ve mentioned above. (Right before typing this, one car was speeding in and out of traffic lanes without a turn signal during rush hour, but I didn’t react.) I convince myself those cars have an emergency they’re racing to and that mindset helps me stay calmer. So far, I’m doing better on this one because it’s time to…let it go!
I’m going to spend money on myself (or save it) and not as much on my classroom. Cue the gasps. It almost sounds blasphemy typing it. I’ve given tens of thousands of dollars of my personal money over my short teaching career and yet I always wonder, “Why am I barely getting by paycheck to paycheck?” In November I had a crazy idea, I CANCELED MY AMAZON PRIME! Afterall, my membership was expiring in late December, so the timing was great and haven’t looked back. AP was where I did most of my shopping for my classroom. It was perfect, quick solution. It’s been a month and I haven’t waivered on using it. My bank account is thankful. Also, the most important pieces you need in your classroom are you and your students. No need to buy every book or the fancy décor you see teachers posting about. Join me in stopping or slowing down on spending money on your classroom…let it go!
I’m going to let go of guilt. I’ve been improving at this one lately. It’s funny to see people get mad at me for how quickly I can let go of situations so quickly. Sometimes in the blink of an eye! It’s been so healthy for me. I’m not going to apologize for being me or doing what’s best for me. I’m not going to please everyone, not everyone is going to like me, and not everyone is going to happy with who I am. For teachers, we feel a lot of guilt: working at home, the teacher shaming on social media, never being caught up, and the scores of some students not being as high as we hoped for. No matter if you’re a teacher or human in general, be yourself and be proud of who you are. You’re doing the best you can under your circumstances. Don’t let that guilt creep in…let it go!
Those are four big tasks I’m working on letting go. Some days they’re easier than others. Other days, it feels like I’m running a marathon at world record pace! If you let that the nasty email, the angry driver, the self-pity absorb you, it always will. But if you follow the lyrics to Frozen and “turn away and slam the door” I promise you, in time (key words) you’ll be happier and a better you.
So put on your Elsa wig, get your robe on, and sing “Let it go!”
