A Journey of Emotional Resilience and Spiritual Growth

Will Smith recently released his fifth studio album, Based on A True Story. I shared my brief thoughts about it on a YouTube post and I’m sharing the screenshot of that very brief review with you below. It really was a short review, but you can see my longer thoughts on the album here on Medium “Will He Heal Tho“.

The point is, there’s one song on the album that makes me cringe. Not because it’s a 56 year old ranting about wanting all the feels that come with first love (well maybe slightly because of that). But, more because he’s a married (though separated) man crooning with a woman who is not his wife.

And, this is where my thoughts take a more judgmental turn: if that’s really what you want, Will, what’s wrong with taking the time to let go with love? I’m not a fan of divorce, but I have more respect for a clean break than for staying in something broken.

But, I’m not here to share Will’s story he’s just my reference point because his album made me think about the things we all hold on to, and the importance of letting go with love… even when it’s hard, even when it’s messy.

We’re All Holding On To Something

I’m always holding on to so much that I’m sure if we’re ever in the same room, you’ll ask, “Can I help you with that?” and I’ll quickly respond, “No, thanks, I got it.” Lol. It’s not in my nature to share my load.

But I’m not alone. We’re all holding on to something. And sometimes, it’s something we picked up with no intention of carrying for so long.

Whether it’s emotional baggage, unhealed wounds, or old dreams, sometimes we carry things for far longer than we ever intended. Whatever it is, there’s something in our life we need to focus on letting go with love. Like Will may need to let go of trying to have another first love.

Letting Go With Love

Today, I sent a text message hoping to reconnect with a friend I was close to in college. It was filled with heart, mind, and soul. I truly believed they would receive it well and that we’d pick up right where we left off, like best friends again.

They left me on read. Never responded. 😂

I would have felt some type of way a few years ago, instead I laughed at myself for trying to force something that someone else has clearly let go of, with love. We didn’t have a terrible exit from each others lives, we just had lives that pulled us in different directions.

And while I’m at a point in my life where authentically loving people feels like the most important thing I can do in the world, I understand that my love isn’t on everyone’s bucket list.

Time & Place For Everything

The Bible says “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV) and I have to accept this in my journey to let go.

Will, are you with me on this? We can be accountability partners on the path to releasing whatever we need on our path to emotional resilience and spiritual growth. And whether Will is with me or not I hope you are. Letting go with love doesn’t mean giving up; it means releasing what no longer serves you, so you can make space for what’s meant to come.

I’m sharing an affirmation I use that can support your mental and emotional wellbeing when you officially let go.

My Love & Life Manifesto (With God at the Center)

I am building a life rooted in truth, trust, faith, and love, with God as my guide.

I no longer seek clarity in chaos or hold onto what cannot sustain me.
I trust that what is meant for me will come in peace, not confusion.

I am learning to let go of what no longer serves me
the emotional baggage, the mental narratives, the regrets, the resentments,
and the unhealed wounds that have held me hostage.
I am making space for healing, for peace, for growth.

I release the need for control, the illusion of certainty, and the expectations I once placed on circumstances and people.
I trust that what God has for me is always better than what I am holding onto.

I believe that true freedom comes from releasing what God never asked me to carry
the past, the hurt, the grudges, and the unfulfilled dreams.
I am choosing to let go with love, and allow His timing and wisdom to shape my future.

I deserve peace, and I will no longer carry what disturbs it.
I am learning to let go of:

• Fear of the unknown, trusting that God holds the future.
• Regret over mistakes, knowing that His grace covers me.
• Attachments to people or things that hinder my growth.
• The need to control outcomes or force situations.

I no longer carry what God has not asked me to carry.
I trust Him to bring me what I need, not just what I miss.

I walk forward in faith
knowing that His plan for me is greater than the pain of the past,
and wiser than the hopes I once held too tightly.

I am not lost. I am becoming.
I am not waiting. I am preparing.

And what God has for me will not require confusion, chasing, or compromise.
It will feel like peace.
It will feel like home.

How does that feel? What are you letting go of, or what are you holding on to that doesn’t feel healthy for you? Thanks for choosing self care, be sure to check out some of my other thoughts.