The Art of Letting Go

In the final episode of Season One of "The Art of Letting Go", host James Steensma reflects on the year that was 2020, the issues that plagued us, and the successes and moments of joy in his own life. Along the way, Steensma previews the second season and encourages listeners to continue to #DoBetterBeBetter, and shares his love of Barry Manilow concerts. TMI? There's only one way

COVID-19 is an Equal Opportunity Virus; it doesn't care who you are, and it can come out of nowhere. Host James Steensma (and his wife, Maggie) got the virus in the weeks leading up to Christmas, 2020. For Steensma, each day brought new symptoms, and by December 31, he questioned whether "tomorrow" would even come. He shares his story, and along the way encourages us to be a little

What happens when we forget to respond to someone else's need, whether via e-mail, text, or direct message? In this episode, entitled "Things to Remember", host James Steensma relays a situation where he did not remember to respond to an important health-related e-mail from a friend...four months prior. What is the best way to acknowledge the slight, and how do we handle that frust

Episode 12 of Season One discusses how being "comfortable" can ultimately leave us unmoving and unfeeling. However, does this mean we should exhibit risky behaviors instead? Host James Steensma ponders these ideas in "Comfortably Numb", the current installment of "The Art of Letting Go". Additionally, a challenge is posed for 2021, along with an update to upcoming events for this p

In "It's A Wonderful Life", the 11th episode of James Steensma's "The Art of Letting Go", the importance of community is discussed. Much like the fictitious movie of the same name, we each may sometimes need others outside of our "inner circle" to help us understand our worth. The art of letting go of the isolation and loneliness we may feel in the holiday season compels us to pay

In Episode 10 of "The Art of Letting Go", James Steensma discusses what it is about needing to have control that causes distrust and a lack of harmony toward others. Is needing to be in control a safety mechanism, Steensma asks, or is it more about pride. In the end, Steensma asks the listeners to consider what "control" means in their own life, and encourages them to learn how to

While the name suggests otherwise, Episode 9 of James Steensma's "The Art of Letting Go" is not a masterclass on Broadway songs. Instead, the host shares his personal struggle with anxiety, and letting go of what he feels he must hold on to for his own safety. In a revealing chapter, Steensma shares how an anxiety attack led him to believe that gravity was going to be shut off. Kno

In this 8th episode of "The Art of Letting Go", host James Steensma recounts his failed attempt at college, and the false starts that came in the years that followed. It wasn't until Steensma received the news of his PSC diagnosis that he made a decision to eliminate excuses and to return to college. The lessons learned by recognizing that "can't is a cuss word" helped him achieve

In "Old Friends", the seventh episode of "The Art of Letting Go", host James Steensma introduces us to his "inner circle" of friends who have maintained a relationship with him for decades. From his earliest childhood memories of friendship to the recent loss of his dearest friend, Steensma shares how each person uniquely impacted him. He encourages the listener to "let in" others

Episode 6 of James Steensma's "The Art of Letting Go" turns its attention to those particular moments when we cannot be as present as we might hope. For Steensma, each of three specific moments led to dramatic changes in the lives of three people he loved...and for him. Realizing that, as John Donne wrote, "no man is an island", Steensma explores how to let go of the guilt associat