5-Minute Insight: Letting Go In 2026, Part 2 - Past Hurts

Last month, we began a series designed to help you let go of what’s holding you back. I introduced the idea that there are four “P’s” we need to release in order to move forward with clarity, confidence, and joy.
If you missed the first one—Perceived Limitations—you can read it here.

Today, in the spirit of February—the month of love—we turn to another powerful

(and often stubborn) P: 

Past Hurts

The worlds of entertainment (think Simon & Garfunkel), sports (Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons), and the corporate boardroom (Sculley and Jobs) are filled with examples of what happens when hurt feelings and unresolved grievances take center stage.

Broken trust.
Lack of cooperation.
Missed opportunities—and often, reduced success.

And here’s the thing: none of these failures were due to a lack of talent or ability. They were the result of an inability to let go of real or perceived injuries and move forward in a constructive way.

You’ve likely seen versions of this much closer to home.
The meeting everyone dreads because two bruised egos dominate the room.
Departments that refuse to collaborate due to old slights.
Family members who haven’t spoken in years.

Then there’s the quieter—but equally damaging—impact of holding onto past hurts.

An unfair performance review.
A hyper-competitive coworker who burned you.
A moment when you spoke up and paid the price.

Out of self-protection, we pull back.
We stop raising our hands.
We hesitate to share ideas.
We choose the safe, quiet path that keeps us small and invisible.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

A beautiful example of the power of letting go comes from Dolly Parton and her longtime collaborator, Porter Wagoner.

Porter gave Dolly her first big break in 1967, inviting her to join his television show as a regular. The duo quickly found success, earning Vocal Group of the Year from the Country Music Association in 1968.

Behind the scenes, however, the relationship was turbulent. Dolly later described them as “like oil and water,” fighting constantly—more like siblings than partners. When Dolly decided to pursue a solo career in 1974, Porter strongly disagreed.

In an effort to preserve the relationship, Dolly wrote “I Will Always Love You” and sang it to Porter in his office. He was moved to tears.

The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Four years later, Porter sued Dolly for breach of contract. She settled the lawsuit for $1 million, later saying:

 “I made up my mind that if he could live with it, I could live without it.”

In 1992, Whitney Houston’s cover became a global phenomenon and the best-selling single by a female artist of all time, earning Dolly an estimated $10 million in royalties in the 1990s alone.

Yet the most powerful part of the story isn’t financial success. Despite everything, Dolly remained committed to honoring the relationship. She later sang the song for Porter at his 50th anniversary celebration at the Grand Ole Opry and was at his bedside when he passed away.

That is the freedom that comes from letting go.

So I’ll leave you with this question:
Is there something you’re holding onto that’s quietly holding you back?

If you’re ready to explore that—together—I’d love to talk.
To book a free introductory coaching session, click here.

My best wishes to you for a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Warmly,
Sally