“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.”
?Ann Landers
Letting go doesn’t mean you don’t care about someone or something anymore; it’s just realizing that the only thing you truly have control over is yourself, right here, right now. It’s a necessary process of adapting to the ever-changing realities of life – leaving behind the past to make way for the present.
Here are 50 quotes gathered from recent entries in our blog archive that will help you let go and live well.
- As we grow older and wiser, we begin to realize what we need and what we need to leave behind. Sometimes walking away is a step forward.
- You will never achieve what you are capable of if you’re too attached to things you’re supposed to let go of.
- Sometimes there are things in our lives that aren’t meant to stay. Sometimes the changes we don’t want are the changes we need to grow.
- Growth and change may be painful sometimes, but nothing in life is as painful as staying stuck where you don’t belong.
- The hardest part about growing is letting go of what you were used to, and moving on with something you’re not.
- Accept what is, let go of what was and have faith in what could be.
- Don’t be afraid of change. Change happens for a reason. Roll with it. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
- It’s usually quite hard to let go and move on, but once you do, you’ll feel free and realize it was the best decision you’ve ever made.
- Never let your fear decide your future.
- Fear doesn’t exist anywhere except in your mind. It’s difficult to follow your heart, but it’s a tragedy to let the lies of fear stop you. (Read Daring Greatly.)
- You can’t always wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes you must let go and dare to do it because life is too short to wonder what could have been.
- You’re not the same person you were a year ago, a month ago, or a week ago. You’re always growing. Experiences don’t stop. That’s life.
- One of the most rewarding moments in life is when you finally find the courage to let go of what you can’t change.
- Never force anything. Give it your best shot, and then let it be. If it’s meant to be, it will be. Don’t hold yourself down with things you can’t control.
- When you stop expecting people and situations to be perfect, you can start to appreciate them for who and what they are.
- Live simply. Love generously. Speak truthfully. Breathe deeply. Do your best. Leave everything else to the powers above you.
- Giving up and moving on are two very different things.
- Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting, it means you choose happiness over hurt.
- Giving up doesn’t always mean you’re weak; sometimes it simply means you are strong enough and smart enough to let go and grow.
- Stop focusing on how stressed you are and remember how blessed you are. It could be so much worse.
- Whatever is bringing you down, let it GO! You don’t need that negativity in your life. Keep calm and be positive. Good things will happen.
- Some people cannot stand that you’re moving on with your life and so they will try to drag your past to catch up with you. Do not help them by acknowledging their behavior. Keep moving forward.
- No matter how you live, someone will be disappointed. So just live your truth and be sure YOU aren’t the one who is disappointed in the end.
- Love yourself! Forgive yourself! Accept yourself! You are YOU and that’s the beginning and the end – no apologies, no regrets.
- You are GOOD enough, SMART enough, FINE enough, and STRONG enough. You don’t need other people to validate you; you’re already valuable. (Read 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.)
- One of the most freeing things we learn in life is that we don’t have to like everyone, everyone doesn’t have to like us, and it’s perfectly OK.
- Try not to take things other people say about you too personally. What they think and say is a reflection of them, not you.
- If you care too much about what other people think, in a way, you will always be their prisoner.
- Sometimes we expect more from others because we’d be willing to do that much for them. Keep loving. You’ll learn who’s worth it in the end.
- Not everyone will appreciate what you do for them. You have to figure out who’s worth your attention and who’s just taking advantage of you.
- Saying yes to happiness means learning to say no to the people and things that hurt you. Be wise enough to walk away from the negativity.
- What you allow is what will continue. It’s better to be lonely than allow negative people and their opinions derail you from your destiny.
- If you feel like your ship is sinking, it might be a good time to throw out the stuff that’s been weighing it down. Let go of people who bring you down, and surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you.
- Just because someone has been in your life for many years, doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be a point at which you finally decide to let go.
- One of the most difficult tasks in life is removing someone from your heart.
- You have to understand that people come and people go. That’s life. Stop holding on to those who have let go of you long ago.
- Sometimes we don’t forgive people because they deserve it. We forgive them because they need it, because we need it, and because we cannot let go and move forward without it.
- The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to move forward is the happiest.
- Don’t cry over the past, it’s gone. Don’t stress about the future, it hasn’t arrived. Do your best to live in the NOW and make it beautiful. (Read The Power of Now.)
- Be wise enough to let go when you should and strong enough to hold on when you must.
- Don’t let dumb little things break your happiness. True wealth is the ability to experience and appreciate each moment for what it’s worth.
- Life is too short to spend at war with yourself. Practice acceptance and forgiveness. Letting go of yesterday’s troubles is your first step towards happiness today.
- Worry gives small things a big shadow. In the end, you can either focus on what’s tearing you apart, or what’s holding you together.
- Old worries are down payments on problems you may never have. Let them go. Today is a NEW beginning; take a deep breath and START AGAIN.
- Smile, even when it feels like things are falling apart. Smiling doesn’t always mean you’re happy; sometimes it simply means you’re strong.
- There comes a time when you have to stop thinking about your mistakes and move on. No regrets in life – just lessons that show you the way.
- Remember the good times, be strong during tough times, love always, laugh often, live honestly, and be thankful for each new day.
- You can’t let one bad moment spoil a bunch of good ones. Don’t let the silly little dramas of each day get you down.
- If you are diligent and patient, everything you truly need in your life will come to you at the right time.
- Everything will fall into place eventually. Until then, learn what you can, laugh often, live for the moments, and know it’s all worthwhile.
Your turn…
What’s your favorite quote or personal saying that has helped you let go and live well? Please share it with us by leaving a reply below.
Photo by: Bairon Rivera
Dev says
As I’ve said before, your 1,000 Little Things book has been helping me let go of a lot of stress and pain from my past. I’ve been reading a couple small experts every morning before I eat breakfast and every evening before I settle down for the night. Doing so helps me keep a positive mindset.
Here’s one quote from your book that I actually wrote on my white board in my home office over a month ago, and it’s still there:
“Someday all the pieces will come together. Unimaginably good things will transpire in your life, even if everything doesn’t turn out exactly the way you had anticipated. And you will look back at the times that have passed, smile, and ask yourself, “How did I get through all of that?”
Susan Rae says
“Even on my weakest days I get a little bit stronger.” – Sara Evans
A reminder that has helped me let go of the notion that life should be easier on the days when I’m struggling the most.
J.J. says
This quote has been a great reminder to me over the years:
“There ain’t no way you can hold onto something that wants to go, you understand? You can only love what you got while you got it.” -Kate DiCamillo
I also love many if the thoughts and quotes you share via your blog, book, FB page, etc. Thank you.
Christy King says
For me, it’s important to remember that the first step is almost always the hardest.
Joseph Dabon says
Nice quotes. I wish life, though, can be lived in quotes. I wish every time I saw a money quote, dollars drop from the sky or happiness comes pouring out of people’s hearts through quotes.
Good things in life require work. Quotes can provide the energy and motivation to do that, but then we must take action too, and let go of the idea that everything should be easy.
Pamina Mullins says
Great thought provoking motivational quotes on a subject that affects us all!
Joseph, as you say quotes provide the motivation and insights (the first step). That gives us a starting point. We now know where our difficulties lie and what we need to work on. Now we can get coaching help to achieve a breakthrough with this particular blockage.
geakin2 says
My fav of all time…
Straight from the movie “Platoon”…
“Free your mind, your a$$ will follow…”
Irene says
I think this post was meant for me. I struggling with letting go right now. Thanks Marc n Angel… it gives me hope that I can one day finally let go!!
Maggie says
The timing of this is incredible. Talk about the universe sending you what you need…. Thank you!!!!
Vanessa says
Here’s a quote about letting go that I love; I believe it’s a Jewish proverb: “Only a fool trips up on what’s behind him.”
Loveandcafelatte says
Courage isn’t having the strength to go – it is going on when you don’t have the strength.
Lucia Antonelli says
I had a wonderful friend who always used to say to me…”and this to shall pass”…and yes indeed it does!
Letting go of the fear, which seems to be an underlying issue for all of us.
FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real…
Thank you!
SC says
All good points, but it must be taken in context. Sadly, sometimes people need to be accountable for their actions, they need to apologize for the hurts they inflicted on others. It is great and all that we can move on or forgive ourselves but I think this allows people to think “oh well” and move on to the next target. I am not sure what I want to say here other than I feel some people have done arm, continue to do harm and never take responsibility – it always seems to be the other person who has to be the bigger human. I mean why can’t it be a level playing field with everyone?
Venkataraman KS says
The struggle to break free from the cocoon is nature’s way of preparing the butterfly to learn to fly. As it fights to emerge from the restrictive cocoon, fluids from the body get pushed into the wings, making them stronger, making them larger, enabling them to fly. Without this struggle, the butterfly stays weak and unable to fly.
Prakash Iyer in ‘The Habit of Winning’
Richard says
The old saying of setting something free helps. I also find that saying “some relationships aren’t meant to last” really helps. I expand that into “some Things” which helps with my current job/company which has been on a downward spiral for years.
Paul says
Marc & Angel
Awesome, just awesome – printed and hanging next to my desk. Just what I needed as I just can’t seem to let go of the past. I made some huge mistakes, and let some people down, but for whatever reason i keep beating myself up about it. It’s time to stop…
Thank you so much for your site and book.
Kirsten says
“Do not let the behaviour of others destroy your inner peace.” (The Dalai Lama)
David H England says
A person who has passed on left me with a saying he thought would help me after he was gone. He was like a father to me and he often reminded me that ” Nothing is as bad as thinking makes it so.”
Cmc says
These are all very useful IF you are healthy enough to walk away and move on. There are a lot of recovering addicts that read your site and it’s very useful. However, sometimes it’s best to stay and change for the better in order to move on… but not until you have a clear mind and have done necessary work on yourself. I believe that you’re “short changing” yourself to just keep walking away, letting go and moving on in all cases.
The key word in most of these quotes is “Sometimes.”
Hristiqn Nikolov says
I would like to add a quote.. Looking in your past is like looking in your Rear-View Mirror: if you stare for too long you will crash – Again and Again. It’s my quote actually 😛 Another amazing quote compilation.
Thanks!
Kari Uhlman says
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Laura says
I think the best quote goes something like this:
“Sometimes letting go is more unconscious than conscious. Know that it’s okay to not be ready to let go. When the times comes that you are ready, you’ve most likely already let go.”
Melissa Webster says
THIS: “Remember the good times, be strong during tough times, love always, laugh often, live honestly, and be thankful for each new day.”
Also, just living in and staying focused on the present. It’s been a challenge, but has been really helpful to me lately.
Cmc, I don’t think anything here means forgetting or not taking responsibility for past mistakes, and especially for one’s addiction (which requires lifelong vigilance). I think it’s more about letting go and moving on and taking the lessons learned with you to carry you along the way, as opposed to stagnating and dwelling on that which is over and done. Just a thought.
This list is very timely. Thank you.
Melissa
Larry Hochman says
“Confidence is usually quiet. But it sure knows how to party!”
I always took comfort in that one.
Diggin’ your stuff. 🙂
Jamil F says
“Fear knocks on the door, Faith opens it, and there’s no-one there” – Zen saying
Marissa Luhman says
Letting go isn’t about not loving someone. It’s about realizing you love that person so much that their happiness means more than your selfishness.
maria says
Thanks Marc and Angel. This gives me the courage and drive to move on from negativity I’m dealing with.
J Morell says
Thanks Marc and Angel. Such wonderful wisdom. We need to take an active role in creating the life we want.
My favorite quote which has helped me move forward in creating my life…
“You can run with the big dogs, or sit on the porch and bark.” – Wallace Arnold
shep says
A very useful list of quotes, thank you for sharing… keep it up 🙂
Chris says
Hello. I’ve been reading Marc and Angel’s posts for a while now; great and wonderful guidance – thank you. But also many of the comments from everyone else have been just as helpful too. So thanks to all of you here for helping me out during a very difficult period. I’m not through it yet, but I am getting stronger and stronger each day, one day at a time eh!! Anyway, having read these quotes over the last couple of days, as well as the responses, a song I suddenly heard this evening called ‘The Here And Now’ suddenly seemed very apt and inspiring. It’s by Chris While and Julie Matthews, an English folk duo. Beautiful stuff:
You look for the distant horizon,
You live for the turn of the page,
You’re spinning in cycles that you won’t disengage.
But there’s more than a far destination,
Between you and the end of the line,
And one day you’ll wish you’d chesrished this precious time.
Because life is here now, it’s clear how
Living the moment, will set you free.
You’re dwelling in bygone places
And halcyon days in the sun
You’re clinging onto a past now dead and gone.
But don’t make the people who love you now,
Compete with the ghosts of the past,
Unlock the chains to your heart, free at last.
Because life is here now, it’s clear how
living the moment, will set you free
Geofrey says
This quote as always helped me in the darkest time: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Lorna says
One of my favorites is “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Very useful when spinning my wheels in the future.
Cynthia says
“You wouldn’t care so much about what people think of you if you only knew how seldom they did.”
Walter says
“I care more because I know how seldom they do””
Angel Chernoff says
@ALL:
Marc and I just read all of the quotes you shared. LOVED them. Thank you so much, as always, for inspiring me.
And now, here’s one of my favorite famous quotes on letting go:
“Last night I lost the world, and gained the universe.”
?C. JoyBell C.
Ananya says
For those who may not know how effective these are, they really are! Try implementing some of these in life and you’ll see. Just don’t let the zeal die down in the middle, though.
Kate says
My favorite quote involves letting go of our perceptions of ourselves …
“it’s not who we are that holds us back, it’s who we think we are not.”
Michael Nolan
Jeanne says
This one, “You have to understand that people come and people go. That’s life. Stop holding on to those who have let go of you long ago.” really stood out for me. I also have a favorite motto. “Nothing beats a failure but a try”.
Thanks for the much needed and felt posts!
Yo_soy_eugene says
When things are not meant for me, I learn to let go. It doesn’t mean I’m weak. I’m just trying to show how strong I am to fight the urge of wanting something I know I am not supposed to have.
ziad k abdelnour says
“Never explain yourself. Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it.”
thank you
Abhinandan says
Really nice list of quotes. Its just like a energy for those who are in negative mood. Learn to let go & move on to positivity.
Wanda says
This is a favorite of mine…..
If you aren’t an asset in my life, then I don’t need you on my life….. I have enough liabilities that I’ve created on my own…
Kosio Angelov says
Here’s one of my favorite: “You only have to do a very few things right in your life, so long as you dont do too many things wrong.” – Warren Buffett
Rachel Erin says
I really like this song.
If Today Was Your Last Day – Nickelback
Every lyric in the song is a quote. I listen to this song on my lowest days. It is really uplifting when I listen to the lyrics and really take in the meaning of the song.
Great article as always!
Lorraine says
I might be knocked down but I am never knocked out!
Manish Kapoor says
My favorite one is from Steve Jobs’ speech at Stanford University:
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Almost everything–all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure–these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.
Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
Nitrate says
Thank you, this info is God sent and couldn’t be put in better words.
Salini says
Going through some rough time in my life and this post is really helping me to stay strong. I’ve been always stayed positive in my life somehow this time the failure dragged me down. When things get tough, the tough get going.. Thanks.
tia says
Thanks Marc and Angel…
After reading these inspiring quotes and thoughts I’m feeling more relaxed.