67 Letting Go Quotes About Finding Strength In Surrender

Easier said than done; letting go is a complicated and sometimes painful process necessary for our growth and peace. So, we curated Letting Go Quotes below that can be empowering strings of words. They will offer you solace, guidance, and understanding of the mixed emotions we often find difficult to express ourselves. 

This article explores themes of finding inner peace, the struggle of moving on, and looking forward to the future. From authors to philosophers, there is a plethora of inspiring quotes holding powerful messages. So, stay with us and delve into this insightful article for an in-depth look at the art of letting go.

Quick links to our selection of letting go quotes:

Letting Go Quotes To Find Inner Peace

Letting go simply means liberating yourself from unnecessary burdens - perhaps it's an unfortunate past, a harmful relationship, or even an unachievable goal. By releasing these, we not only free ourselves but we also open doors to newfound peace, paving the way for better wellbeing.

Here are some inspirational letting go quotes you can tell yourself every day to guide you in your journey to inner peace. You can also check our collection of morning affirmations and journal prompts to start your day right.

"Enjoy what you can and ignore the rest. Let's not waste any energy fighting things that are outside our control."
- Paulo Coelho

"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure."
- Oprah Winfrey

"Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness."
- Steve Maraboli

"Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life."
- Epictetus

"Today expect something good to happen to you no matter what occurred yesterday. Realize the past no longer holds you captive. It can only continue to hurt you if you hold on to it. Let the past go. A simply abundant world awaits."
- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Quotes About Letting Go And Moving On

Letting go often involves an internal struggle — a war between what we want to hold onto and what we know we should release. It's not a matter of ignoring memories or feigned forgetfulness but a conscious decision to move past what once was and embrace the possibilities of what could be. 

For instance, you experienced a daunting professional setback. Yes, that job promotion might not have worked out as you planned, but holding onto the disappointment only holds you back. 

As you let go, you open up space for new opportunities, growth, and a rejuvenated sense of purpose. It may be challenging but understand that with every setback, there is a setup for a comeback. So, always check the following letting go quotes to remind you of this message.

"There's a trick to the Graceful Exit. It begins with the vision to recognize when a job, a life stage, a relationship is over – and to let go. It means leaving what's over without denying its value."
- Ellen Goodman

"I've been burdened with blame trapped in the past for too long, I'm moving on."
- Rascal Flatts

"The answer to every adversity lies in courageously moving forward with faith."
- Edmond Mbiaka

"There comes a time in your life when you have to choose to turn the page, write another book or simply close it."
- Shannon L. Alder

The first half of life is devoted to forming a healthy ego, the second half is going inward and letting go of it.

~ Carl Jung

Holding On And Letting Go Quotes

The goal is to move on entirely, but there are indeed moments when we find ourselves clinging to situations that no longer serve us. The battle between holding on and letting go reveals a genuine struggle between the known and the unknown. 

It can be in the form of a job you've outgrown but can't seem to part ways with or a relationship that brings more pain than joy. In such situations, the instinctive action is to hold on tighter, to seek solace in the familiar. But, we must have a long introspection and prepare ourselves for the possible discomfort of letting go.

To aid you in your decision-making, read the following letting go quotes below and our collection of hang in there quotes.

"The only real battle in life is between hanging on and letting go."
- Shannon L. Alder

"Holding on is believing that there's only a past; letting go is knowing that there's a future."
- Daphne Rose Kingma

"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."
- Henry Havelock Ellis

"There are times in life when people must know when not to let go. Balloons are designed to teach small children this."
- Terry Pratchett

"Just because something made you happy in the past doesn't mean you have to keep it forever."
- Melva Green

Comforting Quotes About Letting Go In Relationships

Often, letting go of someone you're emotionally invested in can be one of the most challenging experiences, especially when the person is a romantic partner who no longer reciprocates your feelings. It can also be a close friend whose actions have repeatedly stepped over your boundaries.

As mentioned in the previous section, it's essential to reassess your relationships and distinguish between those that nourish your well-being and those that drain you. If a relationship contributes more to your stress than positivity and growth, it's okay to distance yourself from them. After all, healthy boundaries make way for a healthier you.

Acknowledging this harsh possibility is necessary, and understanding that sometimes the best solution is to end the relationship. If you are still struggling, let the following letting go quotes help you decide.

"Letting go doesn't mean that you don't care about someone anymore. It's just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself."
- Deborah Reber

"You will evolve past certain people. Let yourself."
- Mandy Hale

"If you truly want to be respected by people you love, you must prove to them that you can survive without them."
- Shannon L. Alder

"When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free."
- Catherine Ponder

"No matter how much suffering you went through, you never wanted to let go of those memories."
- Haruki Murakami

"The most difficult aspect of moving on is accepting that the other person already did."
- Faraaz Kazi

The world belongs to those who let go.

~ Tao Te Ching

The sound of geese flying overhead is the sound of life moving on.

~ Marty Rubin

Quotes About Letting Go Of Control

We often clench tightly to things, situations, and relationships we think we can control. But how often do we find that control simply slipping through our fingers, like trying to hold onto fine sand? The truth is most things are out of our control, from the sudden rain ruining your outdoor picnic to unexpected traffic creating havoc in your schedule.

The art of letting go teaches us that there's peace in releasing our grip from these uncontrollable aspects of life. The quicker we accept this idea, the faster we can divert our efforts to things within our control, leading to more fulfilled lives. Letting life happen, not predicting it or attempting to manipulate it, makes way for being more present in the moment.

After reflecting on the inspirational words in the letting go quotes below, check our article about the health benefits of mindfulness. 

"Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."
- Lao Tzu

"Let go of certainty. The opposite isn't uncertainty. It's openness, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow."
- Tony Schwartz

"We must be willing to let go of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."
- Joseph Campbell

"Let go of the battle. Breathe quietly and let it be. Let your body relax and your heart soften. Open to whatever you experience without fighting."
- Jack Kornfield

Quotes About The Consequences Of Not Letting Go

Human as we are, letting go isn't always the easiest decision to make. Sometimes, it can feel like you're giving up or admitting defeat. Yet, holding on to regret, pain, and worries often instigates a cycle of harmful emotions that can potentially exacerbate or trigger mental health conditions. 

If you're fighting a mental health problem, releasing the weight of past or future burdens may seem impossible. It is crucial during these times to talk to a friend or seek guidance from a healthcare professional. They can provide tools tailored specifically to your situation, making letting go less overwhelming.

Carefully go through the quotes about letting go below, then check out Eleanor Longdon’s Ted Talk and other presenters in our collection of mental health talks.

"If you spend your time hoping someone will suffer the consequences for what they did to your heart, then you're allowing them to hurt you a second time in your mind."
- Shannon L. Alder

"The energy it takes to hang onto the past is holding you back from a new life."
- Mary Manin Morrissey

"Rehashing the past wouldn't change anything. Time to move forward."
- Zena Wynn

"When we go back into the past and rake up all the troubles we've had, we end up reeling and staggering through life. Stability and peace of mind come by living in the moment."
- Pam W. Vredevelt

Related read: Peace of mind quotes.

"When someone you love says goodbye you can stare long and hard at the door they closed and forget to see all the doors God has open in front of you."
- Shannon L. Alder

Your heart's strength is measured by how hard it holds on. Your self-worth and faith are measured by finally letting go. However, your peace is measured by how long you don't look back.

~ Shannon L. Alder

Trees still grow after letting dead things go.

~ Darnell Lamont Walker

Letting Go Quotes To Look Forward For A Better Future

In acknowledging the past, we open doors to improved well-being. But as we all know, this is not instant. To let go is not an overnight journey but rather an ongoing voyage. To make it quicker, we have to anticipate a better future.

Studies have shown that looking forward to a positive event affects our present emotions¹. Effective both during and after we feel stressed, simply imagining a future we want can enhance our coping and recovery skills.

While looking forward enthusiastically, continue to accept that the future will still have unexpected hurdles. So, instill in your mind the messages of the following quotes about letting go.

"Once you realize you deserve a bright future, letting go of your dark past is the best choice you will ever make."
- Roy T. Bennett

"If you want to fly in the sky, you need to leave the earth. If you want to move forward, you need to let go the past that drags you down."
- Amit Ray

"There's a weird freedom in letting go of what you lost and looking forward to the possibilities the empty space leaves behind."
- James Lanman

"The only thing a person can ever really do is keep moving forward. Take that big leap forward without hesitation, without once looking back. Simply forget the past and forge toward the future."
- Alyson Noel

"Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energy moving forward together towards an answer."
- Denis Waitley

One of the most courageous decisions you'll ever make is to finally let go of what is hurting your heart and soul.

~ Brigitte Nicole

Eye-Opening Letting Go Quotes About Self-Discovery

Letting go of past incidents, unmet expectations, or toxic relationships is difficult but a transformative part of life. As you say goodbye to these hindrances, you gradually uncover layers of yourself that lay under the weight of negative experiences. 

Looking back, we can discover qualities such as compassion and courage, which we may not have recognized in ourselves before. Yes, revisiting the past may not seem a good choice, but looking at it with a healthier perspective can lead to better self-worth.

Check how far you have come as you go through the letting go quotes below.

"Letting go helps us to live in a more peaceful state of mind and helps restore our balance. It allows others to be responsible for themselves and for us to take our hands off situations that do not belong to us. This frees us from unnecessary stress."
- Melody Beattie

"One's doing well if age improves even slightly one's capacity to hold on to that vital truism: ‘This too shall pass'."
- Alain de Botton

"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

That's all you can do in this world, no matter how strong the current beats against you, or how heavy your burden, or how tragic your love story. You keep going.

~ Robyn Schneider

More Motivational Letting Go Quotes To Inspire Action

“Should I take this new opportunity? Or, finish what I already started?” Moments of dilemma like this show how human nature often leads to getting caught up in a whirlwind of emotions. However, this is normal. What’s alarming is being paralyzed by overanalyzing things.

As mentioned above, we should learn how to let go of control. Since action, no matter how tiny is the stepping stone to progress. We should make decisions fast and act, ensuring they align with our goals and purpose.

Progress is not defined by magnitude but by movement. One day, as you look back, you'll realize how far you've come. And when you catch yourself regretting the path taken, accept your emotions, assess yourself, and slowly let go.

As an overthinker myself, I also struggle with analysis paralysis. If you’re the same, the following quotes about letting go can inspire you to act.

Related read: Regret Quotes.

"Let go of becoming but never let go of taking action. Stop expecting and start living."
- Maxime Lagacé

"Take all the time you need to heal emotionally. Moving on doesn't take a day, it takes lots of little steps to be able to break free of your broken self."
- Tere Arigo

"Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it."
- Eckhart Tolle

"We can't be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don't have something better."
- C. JoyBell C.

Famous Letting Go Quotes From Influential Figures

People with any status or level of experience have a wealth of wisdom we can learn from. From motivational speakers to philosophers, they provide various outlook on life. In this section, we collected quotes focused on the art of letting go.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a notable peace activist, blesses us with profound wisdom in his quote below. He highlighted our apprehension about letting go, owing to our fear of the unknown and somewhat paradoxical comfort in familiar suffering. His message encourages us to face our fears.

Decipher the profound meaning of other famous quotes from more influential figures below.

"People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar."
- Thich Nhat Hanh

"Your past does not equal your future."
- Anthony Robbins

"It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things."
- Theodore Roosevelt

"The more you let yourself go, the less others let you go."
- Friedrich Nietzsche

"You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It won't happen automatically."
- Joel Osteen

"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."
- Alexander Graham Bell

Noteworthy Letting Go Quotes From Authors And Poets

Authors and poets, in their timeless narratives, shed light on the transformative power of letting go, for instance, Nicholas Sparks' "True Believer." Shown through a quote below, his story about Jeremy and Lexie briefly touched on how people we've known forever may not see life as we do. 

If you are into poems, interpret the other letting go quotes below.

"I realise there's something incredibly honest about trees in winter, how they're experts at letting things go."
- Jeffrey McDaniel

"I think it happens to everyone as they grow up. You find out who you are and what you want, and then you realize that people you've known forever don't see things the way you do. And so you keep the wonderful memories, but find yourself moving on."
- Nicholas Sparks

"Life moves forward. The old leaves wither, die and fall away, and the new growth extends forward into the light."
- Bryant McGill

"This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet."
- Rumi

Short Letting Go Quotes To Post Online

Unsurprisingly, creating a positive environment is vital in the process of letting go. Our surroundings significantly affect our mood and overall outlook in life. Therefore, focusing on things we love or people we trust can ease the transition.

To start, we should curate our social media feeds. It may have a bad reputation, but in reality, we can control what goes in it. Unfollowing people we want to move on from or liking content that does wonders for our wellbeing are easy steps. 

If needed, we can deactivate for a while and focus on offline activities like connecting with nature or journaling. Whatever you think is necessary to move on, do it. May the remaining letting go quotes be your companion; once you’ve moved on, remember to share your story with others online.

"Life moves on and so should we."
- Spencer Johnson

"Time doesn't heal emotional pain, you need to learn how to let go."
- Roy T. Bennett

"Forget what hurt you, but never forget what it taught you."
- Shannon L. Alder

"Sometimes you can't let go of the past without facing it again."
- Gail Tsukiyama

"You can't expect to move forward if your emergency break is on."
- Angela Cecilia

"We must be willing to let go of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."
- Joseph Campbell

"I demolish my bridges behind me…then there is no choice but to move forward."
- Fridtjof Nansen

"Keeping baggage from the past will leave no room for happiness in the future."
- Wayne L Misner

"Give up your attachment to having things your way."
- Iyanla Vanzant