7 Things You Need to Release This Year

As we approach the new year, we have the opportunity to start anew. That said, we should remain realistic and focused on our goals so that we can actually achieve them.

For example, making too many resolutions that we probably won’t keep and then feeling like we failed on Valentine’s Day isn’t helpful. What if our resolutions were more about letting go than attempting something new?

What can we release to become healthier and more present versions of ourselves? And as we step into this new season, how can we invite God to guide our steps and shape our hearts as we pursue growth and renewal?

Here are seven things I’ve decided to let go of this year. I think you should consider releasing them as well.

Control

Control is really just an illusion. No matter how much of a type-A personality we have, we are never truly in control. Believing we are only causes high anxiety without any benefit.

Think of it this way: the only person we can genuinely control is ourselves and the way we respond to our circumstances, environment, and other people.

The Lord has been working with me on this. I tend to try to control my small world at every turn. And when I realize I can’t, I become unnecessarily anxious about it.

Psalm 37:5 (NIV) says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will do this.” Relinquishing control is easy to preach but hard to do. However, the effort is worth it when we feel the weight lifted. The Lord provides. He sees us trying, holding faith, and working hard.

What does releasing control look like? Sitting quietly with God, along with prayer, patience, and practice, helps us put our worries in His hands, which is an excellent first step to releasing control.

Comparison

Comparison is often imprecise, especially in the motherhood journey. Social media exacerbates this by exposing us to only curated, filtered images that make it seem like others have everything figured out.

The truth is, none of us do, not all the time.

Galatians 6:4-5 (NIV) reminds us that “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”

Perfectionism

We all want to excel, but nobody is perfect. The idea of perfectionism is just a mask we wear. It helps us hide our flaws. God doesn’t want or expect it. In fact, Scripture reminds us that God’s “grace is sufficient” and that His “power is made perfect in [our] weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV).

How can we practice letting go of our need to be perfect? Maybe start small—identify one “mess” today. It could be a messy kitchen, a parenting mistake, or a missed deadline. First, we own the mistake. Remind yourself that you are not, nor are you meant to be, perfect.

Try bringing it to God in prayer: “Father God, trying to be perfect is draining my strength. I am grateful that Your power is perfect here, even in this moment, because I am not. And I know through You, I don’t have to be.”

Resentment

Resentment builds inside us when we focus on all the ways we’ve been wronged. Letting go creates space for joy. To practice this, I find it helpful to remember that God doesn’t keep track of my mistakes that way. If He can grant grace even when I know I don’t deserve it, then the least I can do is try to do the same.

Colossians 3:13 (NIV) encourages us to “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

An effective way to release resentment could be to practice journaling. Try writing down three instances where God has shown you patience and love. Practice gratitude in that moment.

Gratitude has a way of reshaping our thinking and redirecting feelings such as pain and resentment.

Hurry

We rush through life at full speed. In the digital world we live in, life moves quickly. I often catch myself hurriedly going from one thing to the next without pausing to enjoy the moment.

There is more to rushing than just a busy schedule. It resides at the core of our being and often prevents us from being fully present with our family and even God.

God tells us to “Be still” and “know that [He is God]” (Psalm 46:10, NIV).

This can be practiced in small doses. Take your time to get out of the car and breathe deeply before moving on to a new task. Pause and thank God for the moment while acknowledging that He controls time, not you.

Guilt

Mom guilt is a heavy burden. We didn’t realize from the start that we would feel it constantly throughout this journey, but here we are.

Here’s the truth: it’s often false guilt over crimes we didn’t commit, sins that never actually happened. There’s a perception that we should be perfect and totally in control of everything. We’re not.

We have God’s permission to release our guilt. Romans 8:1 (NIV) reminds us, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

When you feel this burden weighing on you, ask yourself: Is it a sin or a struggle? If it’s a sin, confess it and move forward. If it’s a struggle, read Romans 8:1 aloud. God sees you; there’s no need to carry this guilt.

Fear

When it comes to things like fearing for our children’s safety or their future, the emotion can be paralyzing.

It helps to consider God’s history of faithfulness. Scripture often reminds us that with God on our side, there’s nothing to fear. My favorite verse is Isaiah 41:10 (NIV). It says, “So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

This is not an easy burden to relinquish. Society loudly echoes what the enemy whispers in our heads. This level of noise only intensifies our fears.

Journaling is very helpful. Remember the blessings. Recall your history and document the times when God saved you or those you love most in this world.

Chronicling this way reminds us of the Scripture and reinforces its message. It also filters out some of the noise that causes or worsens the worldly things that scare us.

Finding Rest

As mothers, we often believe we should try harder and organize better, thinking that if we do those things, the burden we carry will feel lighter.

God wants us to know that we can exchange these heavy burdens for something lighter. We can hand over the reins of control for His sovereignty. His grace can take the place of guilt, and when we slow down, we get to experience His peace.

You were never meant to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Our role as helpmate and mother is to carry God’s love into our homes. God tells us directly, “Come to me, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV).

As we head into 2026, know that you can leave these heavy burdens in 2025.

Remember that letting go isn’t about losing control—it’s about placing it in the hands of a God who loves you deeply. You don’t have to drag last year’s weight into this one. With every burden you release, you make room for God’s peace, strength, and presence to fill the spaces that once felt heavy and burdensome.

May this be a year marked not by striving, but by trusting—the kind of trust that frees your heart, strengthens your spirit, and draws you closer to the One who holds every moment of your life.