When Letting Go Feels Like Loss: The Power of Using or Releasing with Purpose

Have you ever felt blindsided by losing something you thought you had forever? Recently, I experienced this when I learned that some of the books in my audiobook library were about to disappear. My first reaction? Frustration. These books were part of my 'someday' shelf—things I planned to listen to and learn from eventually. But with their sudden departure looming, I realised I had a choice: to either finally absorb their lessons or let them go with grace.

Sometimes books sit unread on our 'someday' shelf

Learning to Act Instead of Clinging: We tend to hoard resources, knowledge, or ideas, thinking we'll use them one day. But when we face the possibility of losing them, it brings up important questions: Is it time to act on this, or is it time to let go? In my case, the books I hadn’t yet read became reminders to either prioritise their lessons or release them.

Imagine keeping a book on meditation practices, yet never taking the time to open it. When you learn it’ll soon be out of reach, it feels like a call to action. Maybe it’s time to finally explore those practices and apply them to daily life or, if it no longer resonates, let it go without regret. This shift allows us to use what truly serves our path and release what no longer aligns.

Or, consider the career tips you saved, hoping to read them when life slowed down. Suddenly, access expires, and you’re reminded that perhaps those lessons are either ready to be used today or released. Embracing this choice prevents you from feeling burdened by ‘someday’ projects and creates space for what truly matters to you now.

Moving from “Why Me?” to “What’s Here for Me?” In moments of frustration, I used to think, Why is this happening to me? But reframing it to, What is happening for me? has become transformative. Losing access forced me to confront whether I was holding onto resources I’d never truly use. Each release brings clarity—and a sense of purpose in the things I choose to keep.

Progress, Not Perfection: A Journey To anyone on a similar journey, it’s okay to feel frustrated and forget this wisdom sometimes. I, too, stumble and catch myself a little sooner each time, and that’s progress. Together, we’re learning that true growth often means letting go, even when it’s hard.

Next time you’re faced with a loss, ask yourself, Is this happening for me? Maybe it’s a reminder to use the things that genuinely add value—or to let go of what doesn’t. It’s a small shift, but it can make all the difference in a life of purpose.