Untethering: Embracing the Power of Personal Revolution

Life is a series of unfolding opportunities—a journey of continuous refinement, where we shed the weight of old beliefs, habits, and labels to grow. Untethering is the conscious choice to release what no longer serves us, creating space for an intentional evolution toward a more compassionate and healthy life. This isn’t about abandoning our past but stepping forward with a clear focus on who we are today and building upon the growth we've already experienced.

At The Plant Five, this is more than just a concept—it’s a core practice that guides our coaching and training modules. Our approach to untethering emphasizes four key pillars: compassionate release, resonating with new opportunities, celebrating the present, and building upon existing growth. We guide community members to let go of limiting beliefs, embrace new paths, and acknowledge their progress, making room for continued personal evolution.

Clipping Older Versions of Ourselves

Imagine life as a tree—constantly growing, reaching for sunlight, and finding new directions to expand. Yet, some branches become overgrown, tangled, or dried out. Untethering is like pruning those branches to allow the tree to flourish more freely. It’s about releasing outdated beliefs and identities that limit our capacity.

In my life, untethering became necessary when I left the familiar behind in the U.S. to build a new way of life in Costa Rica. It wasn’t easy to let go of those surroundings and routines I knew, but stepping out of my comfort zone and shaping The Plant Five opened new pathways for growth and discovery. It was a leap into the unknown—committing to a lifestyle aligned with my evolving values, even if it meant going against the grain.

Compassionate Release: Letting Go Without Judgment

Central to untethering is compassionate release—letting go of habits, ideas, and even environments that no longer flow with our present selves, without judging past choices. For me, this meant releasing rigid expectations about being part of the "vegan" community and moving beyond the prescriptive approach I started with. It also meant using my own body as a testing ground to explore the high-raw, plant-based lifestyle on my terms while navigating challenges and skepticism.

This process encourages us to show grace to ourselves during transitions. Change isn’t about rejecting who we were; it’s acknowledging that growth requires adaptability. It’s about understanding that letting go can be an act of courage that strengthens our next steps.

Think about a habit or belief you've clung to, even though it no longer fits in. Whether it's taking on guilt for a rest day or procrastinating on important tasks, write down what purpose it used to serve and why you held onto it. Then remind yourself it’s okay to release it because you’ve grown. Replace it with a new goal that aligns with who you are becoming.

Resonating with New Opportunities

Releasing old constraints creates a path for opportunities that resonate more deeply. By clearing away limitations, we open ourselves up to life’s possibilities with greater self-assuredness, trusting that growth often lies beyond what feels safe and familiar.

To make this shift, consider areas where you've felt a pull toward something unconventional or bold, such as a significant career move, relocating, or diving into a passion project. Instead of viewing these as risks, see them as chances to expand. Recognize that letting go has made room for the new and created the freedom to pursue a path that isn't forced.

Approach newly introduced opportunities with faith in your ability to navigate change. Untethering isn't just about removing what's unnecessary—it’s about accepting life’s grand invitations as they guide your journey.

Celebrating the Present

After untethering from what no longer serves us, it’s important to remember that letting go is only the beginning. The true power lies in what comes next—actively embracing life with a celebratory mindset. Once we've cleared space, we create the freedom to live engaged in the present. This shift isn’t about filling a void; it’s intentionally cultivating joy, appreciating our progress, and maximizing momentum.

Celebrating the present means recognizing that the path isn’t only about removing barriers but also about boosting morale and uplifting our spirit. It's about embracing who we are right now—with all our imperfections and strengths—and understanding that every step forward has value. This mindset shifts our focus from what we’ve let go of to what we are actively building, reinforcing the importance of taking purposeful steps that bring us closer to the life we envision.

Be relentless in finding joy in all the moments you create for yourself and those around you, as often as possible. Cultivate a mindset that seeks out and amplifies positive elements within everyday experiences. Whether pursuing a passion, sharing time with loved ones, or savoring a quiet moment, allow mindfulness to tune your manifestations. This intentional focus not only keeps you connected to the present but also strengthens your ability to navigate life with resilience.

Building Upon Existing Growth

Once we've achieved centeredness, we become the architects of what's to come. Appreciating where we are now allows us to see progress clearly and recognize that the path ahead is built on the choices and experiences we’ve already embraced. By finding joy in the moments we create, we’re not only able to acknowledge our achievements but also shape continued development.

Building upon existing growth means using the momentum of acceptance to propel ourselves forward. It’s about understanding that the lessons learned, habits formed, and resilience cultivated all contribute to a stronger foundation. Each step forward isn’t a new beginning; it’s an extension of the progress we’ve already made. From this vantage point, growth becomes less about starting from scratch and more about refining, expanding, and enhancing what’s already working.

Ask yourself, "How can I take existing accomplishments and build new realities with them?" Deepening your commitment to practices that bring fulfillment will always lead to brighter manifestations. By continually building upon what you’ve conquered, you empower yourself to reach higher while staying grounded in the journey that brought you here.

Comfortable is Sometimes the Most Uncomfortable Place to Be

Untethering is about choosing growth over comfort—releasing what no longer serves us, aligning ourselves with our potential, and living each day as a reflection of our highest values. It’s a journey we share as a community, supporting one another in embracing a compassionate, healthful life and fostering abundance through transformation. Time and again, it becomes clear that choosing to untether from limitations ultimately brings a deeper, more authentic comfort.

Image: Zac Durant