"Let Them" — The Lesson That Changed How I Respond to the World

I just finished reading The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, and I have to say: it cracked something open inside me. As a former people pleaser — someone who spent years bending, stretching, and over-explaining to keep the peace — this book hit home in a way that felt almost like a lightning bolt.

For so long, I thought if I tried hard enough, if I explained myself just right, if I made everyone happy, I could control outcomes. I could avoid disappointment, judgment, or rejection. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t true. Still, I kept exhausting myself trying.

“Let them judge. Let them misunderstand. Let them go. True freedom begins when you stop trying to control others and start choosing yourself.”

What Mel Robbins does so well in this book is simplify the truth we all need to hear: you can't control other people — you can only control yourself.

Let them judge.

Let them misunderstand you.

Let them choose differently.

Let them walk away.

Let them live their life.

It sounds so simple, but reading it at this stage in my life, something finally clicked. I realized how much unnecessary weight I’ve been carrying by trying to manage other people’s opinions, emotions, and reactions. It’s been a quiet, constant burden — and this book gave me permission to finally set it down.

Now, when I feel that old familiar urge to over-explain, to smooth things over, or to chase understanding, I remind myself: let them.

Not in a cold or dismissive way, but in a peaceful, freeing way. Because I’m not responsible for how others choose to see me. I’m only responsible for staying grounded in who I am and responding in a way that protects my peace.

Since finishing this book, I feel lighter. Freer. More present in my own life instead of tangled up in the noise of everyone else’s. If you’ve ever felt trapped by the need for approval, or exhausted from trying to be everything to everyone, I can’t recommend this book enough.

It’s a powerful reminder that true freedom isn’t about changing them — it’s about changing how you show up for yourself.

Here’s to letting them — and finally letting yourself live free.