Are you also guilty of using “ifs and buts” when it comes to wrong decisions and late realizations? I think most of us are victims of this, even if we don’t admit it to others.
One common way we justify holding on to things is by telling ourselves stories. For example, keeping clothes that you’ve grown out of (or never fit into in the first place) by saying, “If I lose weight, I will wear these.” But how often have these decisions truly made us feel right? How often have the claims we make to justify keeping things or delaying decisions actually come true?
In my opinion, it’s time we learn to let go.
Imagine going shopping and seeing a pretty dress, but it’s not in your size. Instead of saying, “If only it were my size,” let it go. Doing so brings a surprising sense of peace and helps you feel more satisfied with the clothes that are available in your size. In fact, it can even lift your mood.
When you hear yourself saying things like, “I would like this sweater if it were a different colour,” or “I like it, but it doesn’t fit me,” that is your sign, you are already leaning toward letting it go.
These statements are often accompanied by that familiar ‘yucky’ face, which reveals how you really feel about the item. Maybe you love those cool accent pillows tucked away in your closet, but deep down you know they don’t work with your home’s decor. Instead, they are just collecting dust and taking up valuable space.
Deep inside, you know you won’t need those beautiful cutlery sets, toys, clothes, books, notebooks, and other items. What keeps them around is fear. And even deeper down, you know you will probably never use them.
Letting go isn’t about loss; it’s about making space for clarity, peace, and things that truly serve your life. Here are some pros of letting it go:
Mental Clarity
When you stop holding on to things based on “what if” scenarios, your mind becomes less cluttered. You no longer waste mental energy justifying decisions that don’t truly serve you. This clarity helps you think more calmly and intentionally.
Reduced Guilt and Self-Criticism
Statements like “If I lose weight, I’ll wear this” often come with guilt or pressure. Letting go releases you from constantly judging yourself for not meeting imagined future conditions. You begin to accept yourself as you are.
Emotional Freedom
“Ifs and buts” keep you emotionally tied to the past or an unrealistic future. Letting go grounds you in the present, allowing you to experience peace rather than regret, disappointment, or false hope.
More Physical Space
When you stop keeping items based on conditions that may never happen, your home becomes lighter and more organized. Clear spaces often create a calmer, more welcoming environment.
Better Decision-Making
Letting go of conditional thinking trains you to make decisions based on reality rather than assumptions. You learn to ask, “Does this serve me now?” rather than “Will this maybe serve me someday?”
Increased Contentment
When you release items that don’t fit, don’t match, or don’t feel right, you start appreciating what you already have. This fosters gratitude and satisfaction rather than constant longing.
Improved Self-Confidence
Choosing what fits your current body, lifestyle, and needs reinforces self-respect. You send yourself a powerful message: “I deserve things that work for me now.”
Less Emotional Attachment to Objects
Letting go helps you separate your identity from possessions. You realize memories, worth, and happiness are not tied to objects.
Saves Time and Energy
You spend less time organizing, cleaning, and managing items you don’t use. This frees up time and energy for what truly matters.
Encourages Personal Growth
Releasing the “ifs and buts” mindset helps you accept change. Growth happens when you move forward instead of waiting for a perfect future version of yourself.
Conclusion
I know it can be very difficult to break the habit of holding on. That’s why starting small and being gentle with yourself is important.
Begin by asking the “now” question. Instead of wondering, “Will I use this someday?” ask, “Does this serve my life right now?” If the answer is no, that’s your sign to let it go.
Another helpful step is to set a time limit on certain items. If you’re holding on to something for a future version of yourself, whether it’s for weight loss, a special event, or a lifestyle change, give it a clear deadline of three to six months. If nothing changes, release it without guilt.
Finally, focus on keeping what you truly love, not what you paid for. The money is already spent, and holding on to unused items won’t bring it back. Choose peace, space, and clarity over guilt.
Always remember: when you let go of what doesn’t fit your present life, you create space physically and emotionally for things that truly align with who you are now.
