How To Live A Joyful Life By Letting Go
by Chris FritzLast week, we talked about how to hold onto peace in the face of chaos. This week, we’ll discuss the opposite — how to experience joy by letting go of control.
One of the hardest things about growing up is realizing that, even as adults, we have very little control over our lives.
As children, we hold onto hope that one day, no one will be able to tell us what to do. We believe that, one day, we’ll be able to do what we want, when we want, without having to face any consequences.
Then, we have experiences that kick the smiles out of our mouths:
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We find out that bullies don’t stop being bullies when they put on a suit and tie
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We discover that everyone wants some of our time, money, or energy, and that we simply don’t have enough to go around
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We lose loved ones in unexpected ways
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We experience the pain of betrayal at the hands of someone we love
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We fail — often several times — to achieve a goal that is fiercely important to us
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We realize that “Who am I?” is the hardest question we will ever answer
Quote of the Week
“That which offers no resistance overcomes the hardest substances. That which offers no resistance can enter where there is no space.” — Lao Tzu
Move With The Water
Willing or unwilling, the river of time pulls you forward, through gentle currents and treacherous rapids.
If you hold onto comfort and try to avoid every obstacle, you’ll only exhaust yourself.
Then, once you’ve lost your strength, you’ll be thrown even more forcefully against the rocks you tried to avoid.
However, when you learn to flow like water, you’ll move through life as a river does. You’ll flow around, between, and above the obstacles in your path.
Then, when you encounter an opposing force, like a wall or dam, you’ll calmly collect your strength until finally, you achieve breakthrough.
Savor the obstacles that bless you with temporary stillness, because they provide the opportunity for introspection and growth.
After all, you can’t see your reflection in rushing water.
Question of the Week
What’s something you’re clinging to that you know you need to release? How can you experience more joy by letting go of control?Live On Purpose // Die Without Regrets
Each Wednesday, I publish a 3-5 minute newsletter + video podcast that applies ancient wisdom to modern life.
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