Life is a journey of growth, but sometimes, growth means letting go. Letting go of certain things can be an indication that you’re wiser than you believe.

The things we let go often define us as much as the things we hold on to. They shape our wisdom, resilience and, ultimately, our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Wisdom isn’t just about acquiring knowledge. It’s also about the ability to release things that no longer serve us, making room for new experiences and insights.

In this article, we’ll discuss the 9 things that, if you’ve let go of them, demonstrate that you’re a lot wiser than you give yourself credit for.

1) Holding onto grudges

We’ve all been there, feeling wronged and unable to let go of the resentment. Holding onto grudges, however, only harms you in the long run.

Harboring resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. It consumes your energy, disrupts your peace of mind, and prevents you from moving forward.

When you let go of grudges, you’re not saying what happened was okay. You’re simply deciding that it’s more important for your wellbeing to release the negativity and focus on the present moment.

Letting go of grudges doesn’t mean forgetting, but rather choosing to remember without letting it control your life.

If you’ve managed to let go of grudges, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re wiser than you think. It’s a sign that you value your peace more than your ego, and that’s a true mark of wisdom.

2) The need for approval

I remember when I used to obsess over what others thought of me. Every action, every decision was centered around seeking validation and approval from others. It was exhausting and, honestly, unfulfilling.

Then one day, I realized that it was my life and my happiness at stake. I understood that I couldn’t please everyone and that the most important approval is my own.

Letting go of the need for approval from others was liberating. I started making choices that were aligned with my values and goals, not with the expectations of others. It was challenging at first, but over time, it became a habit.

And you know what? If you’ve let go of this constant need for approval from others, you’re far wiser than you think. You’re living your life authentically, and there’s immense wisdom in that.

3) The illusion of perfection

Perfection is a myth. In fact, the Japanese even have a term for this, “wabi-sabi”, which embraces the beauty in imperfections.

Striving for perfection can be exhausting and can lead to dissatisfaction, stress, and even mental health issues. It’s an unattainable goal that keeps moving further away the closer you get.

When you let go of the idea of perfection, you allow yourself to be human, to make mistakes, and most importantly, to learn from them.

It’s through these experiences that we grow and become wiser. And if you’ve managed to let go of this illusion of perfection, then you’re certainly a lot wiser than you might believe.

4) Living in the past

The past can be a comfortable place to dwell, especially when the present is challenging. But the past is a trap. It keeps us stuck, preventing us from moving forward and living our lives to the fullest.

Letting go of the past doesn’t mean forgetting it or dismissing the lessons it taught us. It means accepting that we cannot change what has happened, learning from it, and then moving on.

If you’ve managed to let go of living in the past, you’ve taken a significant step towards wisdom. You’re living in the present, ready to shape your future. That’s a sign of true wisdom and maturity.

5) Fear of change

Change is inevitable. It’s a fundamental part of life, driving progress and growth. But it can also be scary, pushing us out of our comfort zones and into the unknown.

Holding onto fear of change, however, only holds you back. It prevents personal growth and keeps you stuck in a rut.

Letting go of fear of change means embracing the possibilities that lie ahead. It means trusting in your ability to adapt and grow, regardless of what life throws at you.

If you’ve managed to let go of fear of change, you’re wiser than you think. You’ve embraced life’s unpredictability and are ready to face whatever comes your way. That’s a sign of true wisdom.

6) Toxic relationships

Relationships should add value to our lives, bring us joy, support, and a sense of belonging. But sometimes, we find ourselves in relationships that do the opposite.

Toxic relationships drain our energy, damage our self-esteem, and fill our lives with negativity. Holding onto them can affect our mental and physical health.

Letting go of toxic relationships is one of the hardest things to do. It requires strength, courage, and a deep love for oneself. But it’s essential for our wellbeing.

If you’ve managed to let go of toxic relationships, you’ve shown incredible wisdom. It shows that you understand your worth and are brave enough to choose yourself over an unhealthy relationship. That’s true wisdom and strength.

7) The idea of control

I used to be someone who needed to have control over everything. It was my way of assuring myself that things would go exactly how I wanted. But life has a funny way of teaching us lessons.

A series of unexpected events made me realize that not everything is within our control. Attempting to control everything only led to anxiety and disappointment.

Letting go of the idea of control was difficult. It meant accepting that some things are beyond my influence and learning to trust the process.

If you’ve let go of this need for control, you’re wiser than you think. You’ve accepted life’s unpredictability and are navigating it with grace and flexibility. That’s profound wisdom.

8) Comparing yourself to others

In this age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. We see their highlight reels and start questioning our own lives, achievements, and self-worth.

However, comparing ourselves to others is a losing battle. It robs us of joy, fuels insecurity, and blinds us to our accomplishments.

When you let go of comparisons, you start appreciating your journey, celebrating your victories and learning from your setbacks. Your life becomes about your growth and happiness, not a race against someone else’s.

If you’ve managed to let go of comparing yourself to others, then you’re wiser than you think. You understand that everyone has their own journey and pace. That’s a significant step towards wisdom.

9) Limiting beliefs

Limiting beliefs are those deep-seated thoughts that hold us back from reaching our full potential. They’re the “I can’ts” and “I’m not good enoughs” that we tell ourselves.

These beliefs are often rooted in past experiences, societal conditioning, or fear. But they’re not the truth. They’re just obstacles in our path to growth and success.

When you let go of limiting beliefs, you open a door to endless possibilities. You allow yourself to dream big, take risks, and achieve your goals.

If you’ve managed to let go of limiting beliefs, you’ve taken one of the wisest steps in life. You’ve chosen to believe in yourself and your ability to create your destiny. That’s the true mark of wisdom.