It’s one thing to say you release and let go of an outcome. It’s another to actually DO it. We hold on so tightly to ideas and feelings about life, so letting go of them can really mess with our brain. One of the things I’ve had to deal a lot with is gradual releasing.

It’s not like one day you wake up and BAM you understand how to let go. It is a gradual process.

I want to share some of the steps that have worked for me.

1. Understand where my fear or attachment is coming from.

We can’t get through our feelings unless we understand what they are and where they are coming from.

I was terrified to go under anesthesia for so much of my life. I finally got to the depth of this fear: I like to know what’s going on and be in control, and when you go into surgery, you have to totally release all of your control.

2. Think of the worst possible scenario.

Once you understand where your emotions are coming from, you can think, “ok, so if I was to completely let go of the fear and just let them do their thing, the worst that could happen would be…” Go there. Completely feel that thought/scenario. Once you can be ok with that worst possible fate and come to terms with it, it loses its power over you.

Completely become that anger or fear or whatever it is. Let it wash over you and really feel that if the worst happens, you are going to be ok and get through it. This is very empowering.

3. Make the switch.

You’ll know when you are done processing the emotion because, all of the sudden, it’s like a switch clicked. The fear and anxiety are there, but they are not controlling you or bothering you. I am still terrified of anesthesia, and I tell people about my nervousness, but I’m not going to fight it, and I just totally release.

It’s empowering to know you can face anything.

It’s rare to be a role model and sought-after speaker at the tender age of 16. It’s rare to have a life-altering condition like Cystic Fibrosis and be known for your bubbly personality. In fact, everything about Claire Wineland is rare. She has had more surgeries and hospitalizations than she can count and has survived a 17-day coma, yet through all of her many challenges, she continues to spread joy and help kids and adults alike to find their purpose.

For more information on Claire and her charity, Claire’s Place Foundation, please visit her website or on Facebook.

Check out Claire’s first book!