Thursday Thoughts: The Weight We Choose

Lately I’ve added a 25-pound weighted vest to my morning walks. It adds a little challenge, gets the heart rate up, and makes me feel like I’m doing something extra. But here’s the thing: when the walk is over and I take the vest off, I feel noticeably lighter. Same walk. Same route. But the effort changes when the weight comes off.

That got me thinking.

The other day I found myself replaying a past work-related interaction where I felt wronged. No one else was thinking about it. The conversation had come and gone, but I hadn’t moved on. I was carrying it with me, quietly, like that vest.

It didn’t change the work I needed to do. Same meetings. Same responsibilities. Same goals. But I was doing it all with unnecessary weight: frustration, distrust, and a little anger. The kind of emotional weight that doesn’t just slow you down, it wears you out.

Eventually, I got to a place where I could show grace. I reminded myself of something I already knew but had temporarily forgotten: forgiveness is a choice. So is grace. And when I finally made the decision to let it go (cue the Frozen soundtrack), it felt just like taking that vest off. The path didn’t change, but the walk got easier.

That’s when it really clicked. Just because we’re not consciously choosing to carry something doesn’t mean we aren’t choosing it. Allowing something to stay - resentment, frustration, bitterness, shame - is the same as choosing to put it on every day.

That realization stung a little. I had the power to remove that weight long before I did. But instead, I wore it. I allowed it. I let it shape my posture, my tone, my mindset. And by allowing it, I was choosing it. I’m not saying it’s easy, but it is a choice.

We all have things we carry. Some are necessary: responsibilities, commitments, relationships. But some aren’t. Some are burdens we picked up once and forgot to set down. Others are things we’ve convinced ourselves we "have to" hold onto, when really we’re just afraid of what letting go might look like.

Letting go doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t happen. It doesn’t mean excusing poor behavior or skipping accountability. But it does mean checking the weight you’re carrying and asking yourself: Am I choosing this? Is it helping me move forward?

That Leads Me to This Week’s Challenge...

Is there a weight you’re carrying that doesn’t need to come with you?

Maybe it’s a grudge. A regret. A conversation that didn’t go how you wanted. Maybe it’s something you’ve allowed to take up more space than it should’ve. Whatever it is, ask yourself: is it helping you walk better? Or is it just making the journey heavier?

If it’s time, set it down. Show grace. Forgive. Move forward.

If this week’s Thursday Thoughts hit home, I’d love it if you’d like, share, or pass it on. I’m thankful you took the time to read this, for choosing to work and lead, and for being a part of what makes this world amazing!