Last year I learnt some tough lessons, the biggest being to let go of trying to control everything. How refreshing it felt eventually to just go with the flow! I re-discovered friendships, love for all the things I had been too busy to enjoy over the past few years and the ability to accept the way things were.
With that said, I don’t always let go when I need to. I don’t always have a clear and focused mind. Because I’m only human, and human beings have the tendency to hold on too tight. Sometimes life slaps us really hard and we attach ourselves to the pain, even when we know better.
When I’m holding on too tight, I can really feel it in my gut. I feel anxious, frustrated, irritated, and upset. There’s an aching for things to be different than they are — a feeling of rejection or betrayal or hopelessness.
Gut health is an indication of how we live our lives. All of life is: taking life in, assimilating what is good for us, and releasing and letting go of that which we no longer need.
When intake, assimilation, and elimination are all in the right order in my body, I feel great. There is nothing that feels like a really good poo! Then we flush and it’s on its way, never to return! This is nature’s way. I do not know of anyone who tries to go into the sewer to retrieve their poo!
If only we could treat all of our life experiences the same way. Intake, assimilation, elimination, and flush! How often do we dig into the rubbish of our past, try to bring back a situation so we can rehash it, go over it again — worry some more — and look for a different solution, when it no longer exists in our life?
When I find myself doing this, I say to myself, “Flush, Nina!” and I bring myself back to the now. Now is where the action is.
I’m sure you can relate about letting go. We may all be struggling through this one together, in our own unique way right now. And the vast majority of our torment is the result of being caught up in whatever story we’re telling ourselves about how life “should” be.
Here’s what I try to keep in mind…
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our attention and gratitude. How often do you pause to appreciate your life just the way it is? Look around right now, and be thankful… for your health, your family, your comforts, your home. Nothing lasts forever.
Some of the most powerful moments in life happen when you find the courage to let go of what can’t be changed. Because when you are no longer able to change a situation, you are challenged to change yourself — to grow beyond the unchangeable. And that changes everything.
Letting go isn’t forgetting, it’s remembering without fear. It’s stepping forward with a present mind and a lesson learned. So just remind yourself right now: you are not your bad days, you are not your mistakes, you are not your scars, and you are not your past. Be here now. Be free.
Forgive yourself for the bad decisions you’ve made, for the times you lacked understanding, for the choices that hurt others and yourself. Forgive yourself, for being young and reckless. These are all vital lessons. And what matters most right now is your willingness to grow from them.
Be selective with your energy today. If you can fix a problem, fix it. If you can’t, then accept it and change your thoughts about it. Whatever you do, don’t attempt to invest more energy than you have, tripping over something behind you or something that only exists inside your head.
Give yourself time to reflect, ponder and discover.
