by Bethany Eggers, LPC-MH

Letting go can be hard. Often we hear the people in our lives telling us to “just let it go.” But it seems so difficult  for the person holding on. Andrea Mathews, LPC, NCC shares,” we tend to believe that the reason we hold on is because of what someone did, or didn’t do, because of the loss of someone.” We believe so much that we can change the situation because if we cannot make it better, the alternative is grief and adjustment. But what if this season is not meant to follow us to the next?

As we make our way from this Summer’s grueling weather and trying moments, we can move into Fall with a new appreciation for change. Appropriately, a quote from theburnedhand.com reads, “Notice how the trees do not cling to their leaves. Fall is about releasing the old to make way for the new.” In a similar way, Karen Kostyla shares, “Sometimes you just need a new and fresh start. Ready or not, every season has its change..and sometimes just when you are feeling safe and cozy in your own little world, then the winds of change decide to blow and life will change once again.” Fall makes change look so easy. It doesn’t question what is coming next but makes way for change to happen. 

With Fall quickly approaching, we are caught up in the changing of the seasons, not only in nature, but also within ourselves. Maybe this year has brought loss in your life that has been too difficult to face. Maybe you’re looking for something new but don’t know where to start. Andrea Matthews says “Letting go means being willing to allow life to carry you to a new place, even a deeper more true rendition of self.  Holding on means trying to push life into the place of your making or be damned.”

Are you having a tough time letting go? Has the change of seasons been hard on life?  Wherever you find yourself, we have competent and caring therapists in all four of our locations - River Counseling Services in Platte, Sioux Falls Psychological Services, and Stronghold Counseling Services in Sioux Falls and in Yankton - who will meet you where you are, offering hope. That is our mission. You may schedule an appointment at the Platte office at 605-337-3444 or meet with one of our Sioux Falls or Yankton-based therapists from your computer, smartphone, or in person at any of our clinics. To schedule an appointment, please call 605-334-2696.