Article image

11 Quotes on the Power of Letting Go

Sometimes the hardest thing in life is letting go of what’s holding you back. It could be a painful situation you have to overcome, the loss of someone you love, the consequences of a poor choice, a deflating job, or even just a negative mindset you can’t shake. We can get stuck in a holding pattern where we focus on the things that we struggle with, and wind up in a cycle of stress, frustration, and sadness.

But there’s good news: Once you let go of whatever hurt, anger, or regret you’re holding on to, you’re able to move forward freely. You have the ability to start out on a new path, unencumbered by the weight of what you’ve left behind. If you’re standing on the precipice of that new start, these 11 quotes will inspire you to let go, and move forward.

Forgiveness is a reflection of loving yourself enough to move on.
Steve Maraboli

Share Quote

You only struggle because you're ready to grow but aren't willing to let go.
Drew Gerald

Share Quote

Forgiveness is just another name for freedom.
Byron Katie

Share Quote

Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future. The past is closed and limited; the future is open and free.
Deepak Chopra

Share Quote

The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.
Steve Maraboli

Share Quote

To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds.
Gerald G. Jampolsky

Share Quote

You can’t go back and make a new start, but you can start right now and make a brand new ending.
James R. Sherman

Share Quote

A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.
John A. Shedd

Share Quote

Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
Martin Luther King Jr.

Share Quote

You have two choices: to control your mind or to let your mind control you.
Paulo Coelho

Share Quote

What we find in life is based on where we put our attention. When we focus on the small worlds our thoughts create, we miss out on the beauty and possibilities we are meant to enjoy.
Guy Finley

Share Quote

Featured image credit: Obradovic/ iStock

Author image
About the Author
Jennifer Billock
Jennifer is a writer, traveler, witch, and unapologetic Chicagoan. @jenniferbillock
Play more header background
Play more icon
Daily Question
Fill in the blank: "You must love in such a way that the person you love feels ___." - Thích Nhất Hạnh

More Inspiration

happiness theme icon

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.

separator icon
Helen Keller
motivation theme icon

Words empowered by justice can never be silenced.

separator icon
Isabel Ibañez
hope theme icon

The truth is the light and light is the truth.

separator icon
Ralph Ellison
love theme icon

A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.

separator icon
Kurt Vonnegut
wisdom theme icon

'Tis never too late to be wise.

separator icon
Daniel Defoe
happiness theme icon

If there's love in a house, it's a palace for sure.

separator icon
Tom Waits
motivation theme icon

Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.

separator icon
Eleanor Roosevelt
hope theme icon

Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.

separator icon
Ludwig van Beethoven
love theme icon

My only advice is to stay aware, listen carefully, and yell for help if you need it.

separator icon
Judy Blume
wisdom theme icon

Enthusiasm is the great hill-climber.

separator icon
Elbert Hubbard
happiness theme icon

It's more difficult to be simple, and it's easier to be more complicated.

separator icon
Black Francis