Episode 210

Endings: How to End Things That Are Difficult to End

Published on: 16th September, 2026

What do you do when you know something needs to end, but you can't quite let go? This episode gives you the psychological science behind why endings are so hard, plus a six-step practice for moving through them with more ease. Drawing on the concept of the "action crisis" — that push-pull of doubt, confusion, and rumination we feel when we're clinging to something past its time — Diana walks through what she learned by ending something in her life, and the concrete steps that helped her let go and begin again.

Listen and Learn:

  • Why endings feel so hard — and the four signs you're stuck in an "action crisis"
  • A six-step practice for letting go: from "so be it, and so it is" to honoring what continues, to giving yourself permission to begin anew
  • Why getting the "kitten" doesn't mean replacing the "cat" — and why that's okay
  • How a simple ritual can turn a hard ending into an honored one

Listen to the full episode now — and if you're moving through an ending of your own, share it with someone who needs the reminder that beginnings always follow.

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Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.

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Tell the Truth Salon Series

Come to the Tell the Truth Salon on October 1

See Diana Hill and Rosemerry Trommer during this special live event. Join in-person and live stream.

Tell the Truth Salon Series

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    The Wise Effort Show
    The Science and Practice of Putting Your Energy Where It Matters Most
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    Diana Hill

    Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist, international trainer and sought-out speaker on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion. Host of the podcast Wise Effort with Dr. Diana Hill and author of The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, The ACT Daily Journal, and the upcoming book Wise Effort, Diana works with organizations and individuals to develop psychological flexibility so that they can grow fulfilling and impactful lives.

    Integrating her over 20 years of meditation experience with yoga and psychological training, Diana guest teaches at InsightLA, Blue Spirit Costa Rica, PESI, Praxis Continuing Education, Yoga Soup and Insight Timer Meditation. She is on the board for the Institute for Better Health, and blogs for Psychology Today and Mindful.org. Diana practices what she preaches in her daily life as a mom of two boys and bee guardian. Go to drdianahill.com or her channels on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube (@drdianahill) to learn more.