This Is Me Letting You Go

Heidi Priebe

Full starFull starFull starFull starHalf star
4.5(5,887 Ratings)
Left wheat earsApple BooksRight wheat ears
3 Months Free TrialArrow right
Clock28 Min Reading Time
MicrophoneAudio Version Available
cover backgroundThis Is Me Letting You Go

About this book

In a world that urges us to hold on tight, letting go can feel like an impossible art. In This Is Me Letting You Go, Heidi Priebe explores the poignant and often painful reality of releasing the people and situations we cherish, even when our hearts aren't ready. Through a collection of honest, insightful essays, Priebe navigates the difficult terrain of moving on and embracing the unknown that lies ahead.

Summary of Key Ideas

  • Letting Go as an Act of Self-Love

    Letting go is presented not as an act of resentment or defeat, but as a profound act of self-love and respect. Priebe emphasizes that holding onto relationships or situations that no longer serve us can be detrimental to our personal growth and well-being. Choosing to let go allows space for new experiences and healthier connections. This key idea encourages readers to evaluate their attachments and recognize when it's time to release something that is hindering their progress, even if it’s painful. Ultimately, letting go is framed as an empowering step toward creating a more fulfilling and authentic life.

  • Embracing Imperfection and Self-Acceptance

    The book underscores the importance of embracing imperfection, both in ourselves and in others. Priebe suggests that unrealistic expectations often lead to disappointment and hinder our ability to form genuine connections. By accepting flaws and vulnerabilities, we can cultivate deeper empathy and understanding. This key idea promotes self-compassion and encourages readers to extend the same grace to others. Recognizing that everyone is on their own journey, with their own unique struggles and imperfections, fosters more authentic and meaningful relationships, built on acceptance rather than judgment.

  • Love Without Neediness

    Priebe explores the distinction between loving someone and needing them. Healthy love, she argues, is characterized by a mutual desire to support and uplift each other, without relying on the other person for validation or happiness. Unhealthy love, on the other hand, stems from a place of neediness and dependency, often leading to codependent relationships. This key idea encourages readers to examine their motivations for seeking love and to cultivate self-sufficiency and emotional independence. By fostering a strong sense of self, we can approach relationships from a place of strength and authenticity, rather than seeking someone to complete us.

  • The Significance of Timing

    The concept of timing plays a significant role in the book, suggesting that sometimes, even the most promising relationships can falter due to external circumstances or mismatched life stages. Priebe challenges the notion that love is always enough to conquer all obstacles, acknowledging that practical considerations and individual readiness are also crucial factors. This key idea encourages readers to accept that sometimes, despite genuine feelings, the timing may simply be off, and it's necessary to let go with grace and understanding. Recognizing the influence of timing can help prevent unnecessary heartache and allow individuals to move forward with greater clarity.

  • The Power of Self-Forgiveness

    Forgiving ourselves for past mistakes and perceived failures is a central theme in "This Is Me Letting You Go". Priebe emphasizes that holding onto guilt and self-blame can prevent us from moving forward and embracing new opportunities. Self-forgiveness involves acknowledging our errors, learning from them, and releasing the negative emotions that hold us captive. This key idea encourages readers to cultivate self-compassion and recognize that everyone makes mistakes. By forgiving ourselves, we free ourselves from the shackles of the past and create space for healing and growth.

  • Recognizing Your Intrinsic Worth

    The book highlights the importance of recognizing your inherent worth, independent of external validation or relationship status. Priebe encourages readers to cultivate self-love and self-respect, understanding that their value is not contingent upon being in a relationship or meeting societal expectations. This key idea promotes self-acceptance and empowers individuals to prioritize their own well-being and happiness. By recognizing our intrinsic worth, we can approach relationships from a place of strength and confidence, rather than seeking someone to fill a void or define our identity.

  • Allowing Yourself to Grieve

    Moving on after a significant loss requires acknowledging the pain and allowing oneself to grieve fully. Priebe cautions against suppressing emotions or trying to rush the healing process. Grief is a natural and necessary part of letting go, and it's essential to allow oneself to experience the full range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and confusion. This key idea encourages readers to be patient and compassionate with themselves as they navigate the grieving process, recognizing that healing takes time. By honoring their emotions and allowing themselves to grieve, individuals can gradually move towards acceptance and find renewed hope for the future.

  • Embracing Singlehood and Independence

    The book challenges the societal pressure to constantly seek and maintain romantic relationships. Priebe suggests that being single can be a valuable opportunity for self-discovery, personal growth, and pursuing individual passions. Rather than viewing singlehood as a state of lack or incompleteness, she encourages readers to embrace it as a time for exploration and self-sufficiency. This key idea promotes independence and empowers individuals to create fulfilling lives outside of romantic relationships. By challenging societal norms and embracing singlehood, people can focus on their own well-being and cultivate a strong sense of self.

  • Redefining Identity After Loss

    The book emphasizes the necessity of redefining your identity after a significant relationship ends. Often, our sense of self becomes intertwined with our partner, and letting go requires disentangling those identities and rediscovering who we are as individuals. This involves exploring new interests, reconnecting with old passions, and cultivating a sense of self that is independent of the relationship. Redefining identity is a process of self-discovery that allows individuals to emerge from the ashes of a broken relationship with a stronger sense of self and a clearer vision for the future.

Chapter Recap

Part 1Heidi Priebe begins by introducing her book as a deeply personal project born from heartbreak. She explains that the collection of articles reflects her own tumultuous journey after college, navigating a dream job, a lost community, love, and personal breakdown, all while struggling to let go. Prieb
Read MoreArrow right

About The Author

Heidi Priebe

Main Quotes

"This is me knowing that I have to let you go."

"That sometimes the best thing you can do for someone you love is to let them go – to do more, feel more, be more than they could have ever been with you."

"Sometimes you’re going to have to let one person go a thousand different times, a thousand different ways, and there’s nothing pathetic or abnormal about that. You are human."

"This is me knowing life goes on."

"The people we meet at the wrong time are actually just the wrong people. You never meet the right people at the wrong time."

"The right time to let go is always. The second you begin to wonder whether or not it is time for you to open your palms and stop gripping is the moment you should start trusting that you already know the answer."

"You have to face forward toward the future you hadn't planned for and the life you didn't know that you would lead."

"This is me realizing that maybe we don't lose the people we outgrow, maybe we simply expand. Maybe we become so full that there is no more room to carry old baggage."

"Letting go doesn't mean that you don't care about someone anymore. It's just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself."

"This is me putting myself as a priority. And despite of what anybody thinks, I deserve peace."

Who Should Read This Book

Individuals experiencing heartbreak or relationship endings

People seeking guidance on moving on from past relationships

Readers interested in self-help books focused on emotional healing and personal growth

Young adults and adults navigating the complexities of love and loss

Those who appreciate introspective and emotionally raw writing styles

Individuals seeking practical advice and strategies for letting go

Readers familiar with Heidi Priebe's other works and her perspectives on relationships

Listeners of audiobooks seeking comfort and guidance during difficult times

Book Summaries Like

This Is Me Letting You Go
cover backgroundSelf-Care for Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents

Self-Care for Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents

Lindsay C. Gibson PsyD, Lindsay C. Gibson

Are you an adult still grappling with the emotional fallout of having an emotionally immature parent? From Lindsay C. Gibson, the New York Times bestselling author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, comes a compassionate and practical guide to help you reclaim your sense of self and cultivate genuine well-being.

Self-Care for Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents offers daily strategies to heal the invisible wounds of your past. Learn to set healthy boundaries, validate your emotions, and break free from the cycle of prioritizing others' needs above your own. Discover how to navigate relationships with confidence, manage stress with clarity, and finally embrace a life of self-respect and fulfillment. This book is your essential companion for building a brighter, more authentic future.

cover backgroundThe Man's Guide to Women

The Man's Guide to Women

John Mordechai Gottman

Unlock the secrets to lasting love and fulfilling relationships with The Man's Guide to Women, a groundbreaking book by renowned relationship expert Dr. John Gottman. Based on forty years of rigorous research from the famous "Love Lab," this guide provides scientifically proven insights into the female psyche, offering men a practical roadmap to attracting, understanding, and satisfying women.

Go beyond outdated stereotypes and discover what women truly desire in a partner. Learn how to master the art of communication, build emotional intimacy, and navigate the complexities of long-term commitment. Whether you're looking to enhance your dating life, strengthen your current relationship, or reignite the spark with your long-time partner, The Man's Guide to Women equips you with the knowledge and tools to build a lifetime of love and connection.

cover backgroundThe 5 Love Languages

The 5 Love Languages

Gary Chapman

Falling in love is easy. Staying in love? That's where it gets tricky. Is it possible you and your partner are speaking different languages?

In the #1 New York Times bestseller The 5 Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman unveils the secret to a love that lasts. Through understanding the five distinct ways we express and receive love—words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch—you'll gain powerful insights into your partner's unique needs and desires.

Whether your relationship is thriving or struggling, The 5 Love Languages provides a practical roadmap for deeper connection and richer intimacy. Discover your love language, learn to speak your partner's, and watch your relationship flourish. Includes a personal assessment to unlock the door to a lifetime of love.

cover backgroundAll About Love

All About Love

Bell Hooks

In a society grappling with division and disconnection, bell hooks' All About Love emerges as a beacon of hope and healing. This New York Times bestseller and the first volume in her "Love Song to the Nation" trilogy, fearlessly challenges our cultural understanding of love, dismantling the notion that it's merely romance or desire.

With incisive clarity and profound personal insight, hooks redefines love as a proactive force—a verb, not just a noun—essential for mending the rifts in our homes, schools, and workplaces. She confronts the lovelessness plaguing our society, not as a lack of romantic encounters, but as a deficiency of care, compassion, and unity. Through thirteen concise chapters, hooks explores the question, "What is love?", offering answers that resonate deeply with both the mind and heart.

All About Love provides a new ethic for a nation in desperate need of emotional connection, presenting a path to love that is sacred, redemptive, and transformative. It's a call to action, urging us to embrace love as the foundation for a truly equitable and just society, and a powerful reminder of bell hooks' enduring ability to change hearts and minds.

FAQ