The Pain of Letting Go: Embracing Change for Growth and Health

How life transitions can shape our path to better habits and well-being

Growing up as a military kid, I naively believed I was better equipped to let go and move on than others who hadn’t experienced as many life transitions—or at least that’s what I told myself. While I’m not sure that my upbringing made letting go any easier, it did instill in me the understanding that letting go of places, relationships, and familiarity is a natural part of life. We all gravitate toward what’s comfortable, whether it’s a place, routine, or relationship, even when it’s no longer serving us well. Yet, there comes a time when we must ask ourselves what we need to release to take the next steps toward growth. Whether big or small, it all comes down to the same challenge: the pain of letting go.

Over the years as a dietitian, I’ve often found it ironic that I meet so many individuals at this very point of struggle—letting go—when unwanted change is something I’ve wrestled with myself. What I’ve come to realize is that my experiences have deepened my empathy and helped me understand why we all find change so difficult, even when it’s necessary.

It’s in the process of letting go and healing that long-standing habits and behaviors, often barriers to health, can finally shift. This transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s also why every “diet” eventually fails in the long term, despite what Instagram influencers may claim. The key is to cultivate self-awareness and authenticity, evaluating what’s working—and what’s not—in your life so you can build better habits. The truth always sets you free. What’s your truth? What changes do you want to make? What habits no longer serve you well?