I referred to the spiritual value inherent in the slogan, Let Go and Let God, in the last blog. I mention it again because it’s so important to free ourselves of stress and any time we try to take the reigns that either belong to some one else or to God, we are going to be met with frustration, stress, anger or, at the very least, resistance. No one wins when we are intent on trying to be in charge of the circumstances of some one else’s life. We may even have a very good idea for them to try, but if they resist, we simply must let go.
I have done a lot of thinking and writing about this concept over the years. I’m sure it’s “called to me” because of my own inclination to interfere with what others are doing or considering doing. My attempts at control frustrated me in my first marriage and even though I wasn’t successful, I kept at it. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. Needless to say, I was insane.
The end of that marriage didn’t cure me of the defect, unfortunately, but I have improved, thanks to the help I have received in 12 step programs. But I blog about this today because I keep hearing from others that the concept of letting go is hard to apply and, in fact, elusive for many. The best way to understand it is to ask yourself the question: is what I’m focusing on truly my business or some one else’s business? I have learned, again in 12 step circles, that there are only two kinds of business: my business and that which is none of my business. This has clarified for me when I need to keep my mouth shut, which actually, is most of the time.
There is so much to be gained by letting go. We have our peace of mind. We can get more accomplished. We maintain friendships more readily. Our family relationships are far smoother. We feel a closeness to God because we are turning to him for help in letting go. Every thing about letting go pays big dividends. If you aren’t very practiced at it, give it a go tomorrow and let me know how it felt at day’s end. You’ll rest more easily tonight.
