Letting Go to Grow: A Series on Change and Transformation

Part two: The Art of Letting Go.

In The Weight of Holding On, we explored how old habits, mindsets, and even relationships can cling to us long after they’ve served their purpose. When we hold on too tightly to these familiar ways, they become a burden, weighing us down even as we try to move forward. Recognizing the cost of holding on is the first step toward change, but knowing doesn’t always make it easier to take that next step. This realization is what brought me to the challenging but necessary practice of letting go.

The Art of Letting Go

The Process of Acceptance:
Letting go is rarely a sudden decision; it’s more of a gradual unfolding, a journey from resistance to acceptance. For me, it wasn’t just about cutting my locs—it was about the deeper mental shift that had to come first. I had to come to terms with the fact that letting go was necessary, that I couldn’t move forward while clinging to an old version of myself. This realization was the beginning of a new, inward process.

But even after realizing that change was needed, fear crept in—just like it had in my struggle to hold on. In Part 1, I spoke of the comfort zone that old habits and mindsets create, and the fear that comes with stepping into the unknown. Letting go felt like stepping off a ledge without knowing if there would be a soft landing. My locs were more than just hair; they were a shield, a symbol, and a part of my identity. The thought of letting them go made me question: Who will I be without them? Will I recognize myself?

It became clear that the physical act of cutting my locs was just the surface. What I truly needed was to let go of the fear of losing a part of myself—a fear rooted in uncertainty and the unknown.

Meditation and Visualization:
To help myself through this, I turned to meditation. In those quiet moments, I’d close my eyes and focus on my breath, imagining each inhale filling me with the courage to face the unknown, and each exhale releasing the fear that kept me clinging to my old identity. I visualized the person I wanted to become—someone lighter, free from the weight of old habits, expectations, and the fear of stepping into uncharted territory. It wasn’t about losing who I was, but about making space for the new version of myself that I was growing into.

Day by day, I worked through this struggle, step by step. I would sit with the discomfort, the uncertainty, and the anxiety that came with the thought of letting go. The fear of losing the part of me tied to my locs surfaced often, but I reminded myself that my essence wouldn’t disappear just because I chose to cut them. It was in these moments that I learned to sit with my fear instead of running from it, acknowledging its presence while not allowing it to control my decisions. This mental preparation was essential because I knew that when the time came to actually take the physical step, I needed to be ready to embrace it fully.

Preparing for the Moment:
This process wasn’t easy. Some days, I’d feel ready, confident that I could step forward, and other days, the thought of cutting my locs felt like letting go of a lifeline, a last connection to who I had been for so long. The fear of losing myself would creep in, and I’d find myself questioning whether I could really follow through.

But slowly, as I meditated and visualized this new version of myself, I found strength in the idea of change. I began to see the fear for what it was—an old habit itself, a part of me that resisted change. And as I faced it head-on, the fear began to loosen its grip. It became less about what I was losing and more about what I was making room for—a new chapter, a new identity, a new kind of freedom.

When I finally gathered the courage to cut my locs, it felt like a culmination of all those small steps, each meditation, each moment of acceptance, and each confrontation with my own fears. It wasn’t just a physical act; it was the release of everything I had been holding onto. And while it was hard, it was also deeply liberating.

Dominick Morisseau

Hi there! I'm Domnick Morisseau, a portrait and lifestyle photographer based in the beautiful cities of Ocala and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My journey with photography began with a love for capturing moments and has grown into a passion for showcasing the unique essence of each person I photograph.

With an eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, I create images that feel personal and authentic. Whether it’s a candid moment or a carefully composed portrait, my goal is to reflect the true spirit of my subjects.

These days, I’ve been deeply focused on my work, but I still find joy in the simple moments—enjoying time with family, soaking in the peaceful landscapes around me, and finding inspiration in the everyday. I believe every moment has a story, and I’m here to capture those stories with creativity and care.

Up Next- Part Three, Embracing the Beauty of Change

As I navigated the process of letting go—both physically and mentally—I realized that the hardest part was not the act itself but embracing what comes next. It’s about making peace with the past while creating space for new experiences and opportunities.

In Part Three, Embracing the Beauty of Change, we’ll explore what happens when we truly step into the new, allowing ourselves to grow beyond what we once knew. It’s about celebrating the transformations that come when we release our old selves and welcome the unknown with open arms. Because sometimes, letting go isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something beautifully different.

Special Thanks and dedication

Dedicating this one to

Steve Carty

and the Steve Carty crew.

Steve Carty has been a force in my ability to overcome that fear. The mindset shift and the continuous energetic motivation to be better, to overcome obstacles we place in our own path, the drive to excel beyond the everyday norm, and to push ourselves as creatives. Steve Carty has become the voice in my head when I struggle with certain things.

And his “Carty Crew”, A community of amazing everyday Photographers that are so full of talent and ambition.