Clutching Old Water Bottles

Wanting more for your future is not a betrayal of your past. - Danielle LaPorte, Truth Bomb

Why do we hang on to things when we know it’s time to let go? Are we attached to the item itself or what it represents?

For my 33rd birthday, my dear friend Kortney gifted me with a Hydro Flask® water bottle. She picked a beautiful turquoise color perfectly suited to my style. If you’ve known me for a while, then you know that I’m rarely without a water bottle in hand. One of my friends once said that I’ll be clutching my water bottle when I die.

While that’s a silly thought, the sentiment behind it is true.

This particular bottle, though, holds such great meaning for me. It represents the start of my nomadic journey. It was with me when I quit my career of 11 years, and with me when I set foot in Australia signaling the start of a new chapter in life. It’s traveled with me to 20 countries across 6 continents. It served as a vessel to support me in staying hydrated, and as a symbol of comfort to clutch in times of discomfort.

There was one time I landed back in Dallas after traveling on a long journey. I was tired and ready to be in bed. I stopped in the bathroom as I deported. As I exited security, I immediately felt something was missing. My water bottle. I had left it in the bathroom stall! Like a child who loses their favorite stuffed animal or blanket, I had lost my own security blanket. I ran back to the TSA desk panicked and asked if there was any way I could go back through and get my bottle. I told them I knew it sounded silly, but this bottle was sentimental and had a great story to tell. The agent wouldn’t let me go back but phoned on the radio for a female agent to go into the bathroom and find it. I stood there waiting anxiously. A few minutes later, I saw a woman inching towards me holding my bright turquoise water bottle. She had a big smile on her face and told me I’d be surprised what all she’s collected. She was happy to return this dented, worn-in water bottle to me. There have been a couple of other instances where I’ve left it somewhere only to be reunited with it again.

It always seems to find its way back to me.

I’ve dropped my bottle so many times. It’s dented all over the bottom and stands rocky on a flat surface. One of the metal screws popped out of the cap and got lost along the way. Yet, I’ve continued to carry this bottle with me. Although it’s bruised and full of battle scars, my bottle is still functional. It stills serves its purpose as a vessel for holding water. It serves as a reminder of my journey.

But, at what point do you say or know, “It’s time to move on. You’ve served your purpose. You’ve taught me all you’ve needed to teach me. And now, it’s time to let you go?”

When do you stop “putting up with” and honor yourself and the item (or person) and move on?

I could fix my bottle. I could get a rubber cap to place on the bottom so my bottle stands steady again. I could buy a new lid that’s intact and not broken. I could hold on to it a little longer.

Not everything is meant to be fixed.

The other day I noticed a smell inside my bottle even after washing it. I washed it again, scrubbed it harder, got more under the rim, and the smell still lingered. Washing it again and again, or patching it to buy it more time is not going to restore it to its original state.

It’s time to part ways. It’s given me so much and now it’s time for a new vessel.

While this may be about a water bottle, there is a deeper essence that translates to other areas in life. We all have something we’ve outgrown or that’s outgrown us that’s begging to be freed. No matter how many times we repair it, it won’t be the same.

We either grow with it or we outgrow it.

There’s a fear that if we let go, we’ll lose all of the memories associated with the person or object. There won’t be something or someone as good as the original. Or there’s the fear that if we let go, nothing else will fill its place. Perhaps we’re afraid of betraying the other thing if we move on and replace it?

Wanting a new functioning water bottle does not take away the memories from the old one. It’s still a part of my story and will serve as an adventurous memory.

I finally gave myself permission to buy a new water bottle. It’s a beautiful pink vessel that is ready for new memories and adventures. My old turquoise bottle served a deep purpose and now it’s time to let it go and allow for the new to come.

Who or what are you holding onto in hopes that it can be fixed? Or, holding onto out of fear that it won’t be replaced or as good as the current one?

What would open up for you by letting go?

Perhaps you have your own water bottle that needs to be replaced (and if so, I do recommend a Hydro Flask :) ). Or perhaps, you’re holding onto the memories of a former lover and the thought of starting again is scary. Or you’re ready for a new job or career and are afraid to betray the people you work with. Whatever it is for you, take some time to sit with it and write out all of your fears around it (what you’re afraid will happen, all the what if’s, etc). Then take some time to envision what it would be like to step into a new space. Allow yourself to feel all of it, and know that F.E.A.R is just an illusion.

Story Update:

After writing this blog, I was approached by the water bottle company Super Sparrow asking if I wanted to try their water bottles. I love trying new things and jump at the opportunity. I chose 3 different bottles—the 750ml Small Mouth, the 350ml Standard Mouth, and the Tritan Sports Bottle. I love each bottle for various reasons. During the snowmageddon in Dallas, I was so blessed to have the stainless steel bottles so I could have hot water. The Tritan sports bottle is great for hiking and being on the go. I was blown away by this generous opportunity. Check out their water bottles and try for yourself!

**I receive no commission for mentioning this. I wanted to share about this cool experience in manifesting.