Autumn is here in the north and there is a nip in the air! I find this time of year energizing and at the same time a little sad too, as I say goodbye to warm summer days, as well as the house that I loved living in for 4 years. Letting go, new beginnings and the cycle of nature are definitely on my mind right now!

This is the time when trees let go of their leaves as they lighten their load in preparation for winter. The fallen leaves nourish the soil beneath them while the bare branches allow for new growth in the spring. If the trees refused to let go of their leaves this cycle of life would be broken and they would slowly die.

Leaves Fall For a Reason!

Just like trees, we humans need to let things go as we enter a new phase in our lives. For expatriates and repatriates in particular, the ability to let go of what we have left behind is key to our own future growth - and happiness!

What do you need to let go of in your life in order to allow new growth to take place?

The answer to that question may be found in two areas of your life. The first is easier than the second. But surprisingly, when we do the first the second follows by itself!

Things to Let Go of

1. You can clear out the old and unnecessary material things. If you have recently moved, you may already have done a major clear out. (Didn't it feel good?! After 15 years in the USA I finally got rid of the curtains I had carefully packed all those years ago - along with mummified moths!) If you are one of those 'you just never know when it could come in useful' people, then ask yourself "What am I really holding on to here?" and "What is holding on to this costing me?"

Holding on to things takes up room. By creating space you can choose whether you want to fill it with something else - or not. This is empowering!

It can also feel liberating to clean out our closets and give clothes and other items to charities and those who truly need them.

I have noticed a funny thing happens in my clients' lives - and my own - when we do a clear out. New opportunities seem to appear! Try it and see for yourself.

2. You may become aware that you are living in the past - on memories and good times you have had that you miss. It's OK to look back with a sense of loss. It is a natural part of the transition process that we move through. However, if you take a look and find yourself stuck there, then you may want to talk to a good friend or coach to help you get unstuck!

There may be some of you who have experienced resentment and anger because it wasn't the experience you had expected at all. This kind of holding on can poison the things that are precious to you and end up making everyone miserable. But most of all it hurts YOU. When you blame someone else and allow the resentment to build there is always a high cost to pay.

Are you holding on to be right or to justify feeling unhappy? Perhaps it's time to let it go so you can start building a more fulfilling life.

Nature uses the seasons of fall and winter to let go of the old and unnecessary, and to rest and get ready for the budding of new life that comes with each spring. It is a cycle that works - and we can also benefit by following nature's example.

My thanks go to coach Mary Ann Bailey who inspired this article.

Cheers!

Val

Val Boyko is a Scot and an American, cross cultural facilitator and professional coach. In 1991 she gave up her management career to move to the Philadelphia area as a "trailing" spouse. As a consultant and coach, she has trained and supported hundreds of families moving around the world. She is a graduate of Coach University, a member of the Society of Intercultural Education And Research, and the International Coach Federation.