We tend to latch on to the familiar, even if there is pain involved in doing so.

This can keep us involved with unhealthy situations for too long. Sometimes, we need to learn how to let go.

It could be a personal relationship that is holding you back. You feel guilty in severing ties with the person or people involved because you have been in the situation for a long time. This could refer to a lover, a friend, or even family members.

These people become dependent on you in ways that prevent you from living the life you truly want.

Clearly, this is not ideal.

It can be a situation with work as well. Either the people you work with or the company itself is holding you back. You stick with it because you believe it’s the only option you have, even if it is making you miserable.

If you need to let go of situations or people who are holding you back, write out a list of pros and cons about the situations. If you find the cons are overwhelming, this should be enough to convince you it’s time for a change.

Change is a difficult concept for many of us to handle. It is the one aspect of life that will always be there. Why not embrace it for the better? It brings to mind the saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

One example of a situation that people have a difficult time removing themselves from is when hiring friends for your business. There are certain expectations that the friend assumes with the working relationship which can make the situation awkward.

The person who hired the friend may need to take actions that may affect the friendship. This is why employment experts discourage the practice. It’s usually not a good idea to hire friends or to even go into business with them. The friendships are at risk under these circumstances.

Letting go is never easy, but it can be an incredibly freeing experience. It gives you the ability to start living life on your terms. It may not be a popular decision and in some cases (as with family) you won’t be able to break completely away, but it can help you achieve the happiness you desire.

By taking appropriate actions, you will often find the people who were dependent on you actually become happier themselves through your actions.