Let Them Go: Embracing the Power of Walking Away

Have you ever heard of the "Let Them" theory? It's a mindset I've gradually come to accept in my own life and relationships — one that has brought me peace, strength, and a deeper sense of self-worth. The more I grow, the more I realize how necessary it is to let go of certain people, even if they are loved ones, when they mistreat or disrespect you.

This wasn’t always easy for me to accept. For a long time, I tolerated things I shouldn’t have because I feared losing people. But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: if they were truly your people, they would never treat you that way in the first place. Don’t make the mistake of being so understanding or forgiving that you overlook the constant disrespect.

Sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is simply to let them—let them be who they are, even if it hurts you.

Let them be upset.

Let them judge you.

Let them misunderstand you.

Let them gossip about you.

Let them ignore you.

Let them be “right.”

Let them doubt you.

Let them not like you.

Let them not speak to you.

Let them tarnish your name.

Let them paint you as the villain.

Whatever it is they choose to say or do, just let them. Step aside, breathe deeply, and let them be.

Here’s the hard truth: People know exactly how their words and actions are affecting you — but they simply don’t care. They do it anyway, knowing full well that it could cost them your presence in their life. But if they truly loved you, they would never intentionally cause you harm. Real love respects your feelings.

And sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to let them go.

There will be people who would rather lose you than face the truth of how they’ve hurt you. That’s okay. Let them go.

The lack of respect? That’s closure.

The lack of an apology? That’s closure.

The lack of care? That’s closure.

The lack of accountability? That’s closure.

The lack of honesty? That’s closure.

Let them go.

Make the decision to walk away from tables where you might be the subject of gossip when you leave. Don’t let yourself remain in spaces where you’re not respected, understood, or valued. You deserve better.

You can still love them — from a distance. You can still have kindness in your heart, but love them from the distance they’ve created through their actions and words. Access to you is a privilege, and they’ve proven they can’t be trusted with it. Let them go.

You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. God already knows your heart. Let Him fight the battles for you. Let them go.

Getting to this point has been a long journey for me. It hasn’t been easy. It’s involved sleepless nights, countless tears, waves of anger, disappointment, confusion, and profound hurt. It’s been a process of self-reflection, self-preservation, prayer, and seeking wisdom from those much wiser than myself.

If you’re struggling with this too, know that you’re not alone. We may never fully understand why hurt people hurt others, but we can do the hard work of healing ourselves. Healed people heal people.

So, don’t let them steal your joy.

Don’t let them steal your light.

Don’t let them steal your peace.

You are in control of your peace. You have the power to protect your joy and hold on to your light.

Hold tight to what you can control and release the things you can’t.

Let them go...

--By Amita Mistry