The power of letting go

Photo by Gianandrea Villa on Unsplash

We’re all naturally wired to want it all figured out – no matter what “it” might be.

And in a cruel twist of fate, trying to figure “it” all out is often what drives us crazy.

For example, let’s say you’re feeling secure about your job situation – that is, until your manager quits. Or maybe your oldest has made their college decision – until they wake up the next day, change their mind, and are right back to square one. 

Having anything “figured out” is a temporary state at best and a delusion at worst. 

That’s why learning to let go can be such a pivotal and powerful moment in your life.

Letting go doesn’t mean you don’t care about life’s outcomes or that you stop your pursuit of improving your life. Rather, it’s practicing acceptance that there is no “there” or magical place where everything falls into place forever and ever. 

It’s in this acceptance that we can refocus and take a giant exhale. 

When you learn to accept that you don’t – and won’t! – ever have it all figured out, all you have to do is continue to show up and try your best.

The more you do this, the more confident you’ll become in your ability to figure out whatever life throws at you, even if you don’t know what trials and tribulations might lie ahead.

If you’re doubting your ability to let go, think about the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced in your life. Do you have it in mind? Good. The mere fact that you’re here right now thinking back about it tells me that you were able to navigate through it. 

So next time you find yourself feeling like you’ll never be able to figure it all out, just remember that you don’t have to – because nobody ever does. Practice letting go and just keep on showing up instead. That’s the unlock to navigating life’s on-going uncertainty while maintaining your own sanity along the way.