Just as we tend to accumulate birthday cards, clothes, magazines, receipts, and souvenirs, we also cling to emotions like anger, anxiety, confusion, disappointment, envy, fear, guilt, judgment, opinions, pride, sadness, and shame.

I’ve never been one to hold on to material possessions.

What was harder for me to release were my opinions and the ability to open my mind to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities for the future. My beliefs were the only reality and truth I knew, which created a divide between me and anyone who thought differently. This tight grip on my beliefs was rooted in fear.

Interestingly, as a teenager, I wasn’t afraid of change, strangers, or the unknown—I was a big risk-taker.

Letting go of fear and embracing limitless possibilities came naturally to me. Despite having reasons to complain, I believed anything was possible and was determined to live fully before my time ended. Incredibly, I made it through.