Unwritten Chapters After Letting Go
Embracing the Sacred Void of Transformation
Introduction: The Season of Self as Liberation
At first glance, these reflections might seem unrelated to the work of anti-racism, anti-oppression, and decolonization. But if we look closer, the connection becomes clear. Liberation doesn’t only happen in systems and institutions; it begins within. When we take the time to dismantle the stories, habits, and narratives that no longer serve us, we clear space to align with our values and move through the world with greater intention and authenticity.
Nature, too, has a rhythm that mirrors this inner work. Winter reminds us that stillness is not stagnation but a necessary part of transformation. Seeds rest beneath the soil, gathering energy for the spring, just as we must rest and reflect to sustain ourselves for the work ahead. In this Season of Self, we are taking notes from nature’s cycles, practicing what it means to release what no longer serves us, and honoring the power of the in-between.
This work is not separate from liberation; it is foundational to it. Dismantling systems of oppression requires that we also dismantle the ways they live within—perfectionism, the scarcity mindset, the need to prove our worth. These internal systems keep us trapped in cycles of harm and disconnection. When we begin to unlearn them, we create space for something new: self-compassion, community care, and the possibility of collective liberation.
The reflections that follow are an invitation to step into this sacred work of letting go, not only for your own healing but as an act of resistance and reclamation. This is where the seeds of liberation are planted, both within ourselves and in the world around us.
What Happens After Letting Go: Interconnection in the Void
Letting go is not just about release—it’s about stepping into the space that follows. That space is where the real work begins, and it’s a space that is often misunderstood. Whether it’s quitting smoking, unlearning internalized supremacy culture, or navigating separation from a partner, the act of letting go creates a void. That void can feel like loss, but it is also fertile ground for transformation.
When I quit smoking, I wasn’t just letting go of a habit—I was letting go of a coping mechanism, a ritual, a sense of identity. Smoking had been a constant companion, something I turned to for comfort, pause, and even connection. In the days after I stopped, I found myself grieving not just the cigarettes but the role they had played in my life. The same grief can surface when we unlearn systems of oppression or step out of a relationship.
Separation, whether from a person, a habit, or a belief, leaves behind a profound emptiness. That emptiness can feel disorienting. But within that emptiness is the space for something new to grow. It’s in this liminal space that the intricate interconnection of our lives becomes clear.
The journey of letting go isn’t just about release—it’s about discovering what’s possible in the space that follows. To dive deeper into the sacred void of transformation and explore practical tools for navigating this season of self, subscribe for exclusive access. If there is a financial barrier please email:scholarships@desireebstephens.com