Life involves change. Living brilliantly and expansively involves significant amounts of change. Some embrace it; some thrive, others fear change.

In studying this phenomenon over the years, I've discovered that the fear of 'change' is actually a fear of 'letting go' of the familiar for the unknown.

Ah-ha! Letting go! What better time to think of 'letting go' than springtime? We know the exhilaration of letting go of outdated clothes, files, even art. What about outdated thoughts, dramas and expectations?

Some of you hold on to old hurts as thought they were badges of honor. Rather than moving forward you stay resentful. Or worse, you relive the hurts over and over again.

You can't have it both ways. You can move forward into your goals and dreams, or remain where you are, clutching onto your familiar past.

My clients find it helpful to look at their challenges from different standpoints. Let's look at 'letting go' from a Buddhist viewpoint. Jack Kornfield shares the following in his Buddha's Little Instruction Book:

• Learn to let go. That is the key to happiness.
• Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well.
• Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again.
• In life we cannot avoid change, we cannot avoid loss. Freedom and happiness are found in the flexibility and ease with which we move through change.
• Every life has a measure of sorrow. Sometimes it is this that awakens us.

Did one of these statements hit a cord? If so, you are ready to move on. If not, read them again and see what there is specifically for you to let go of to move forward.

It's more difficult for some of you than others, yet for all of you there is so much to be gained by 'letting go'-authentic success and fulfillment. I see this daily in my executive coaching practice and it is very, very exciting.

This week pick one thing to 'let go' of to create room for the greatness life has to offer. It could be anything from sugar bar to resentment of a person who wronged you to a crazy schedule that seems to have no ending!

Just for one week live more brilliantly and expansively? Say it out loud now: "I let go of your power over me, ____________!"

Enjoy your discoveries and have a great week!

Welcome All New Subscribers As always, it's great to be in touch with our subscribers in 'eight' countries!! Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom, USA. If you receive these 'Thoughts' and live in a country that I have not mentioned, please let me know so I can salute you.

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Permission is granted to either reproduce copy or distribute "Your Success Thought for the Week of April 27, 2005" so long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached. The author is Ann Golden Eglé, Golden Visions Success Coaching, LLC, 541.385.8887, 1972 NE 3rd St, Suite # 307 Bend, Oregon 97701, www.GVSuccess.com