“All the art of living lies in the fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” – Havelock Ellis
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” – Lao Tzu
“Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.” – General George Patton
Our lives are filled with choices – too many at times to adequately analyze which are right and which are wrong, which have value and those that don’t, and which head the best direction and those that take us nowhere.
But when you think about it, I would venture to say that the greatest choices we make center in what we choose to hold on to and what we choose to let go. When you think even deeper about it, the power of grasping unto or releasing our grip and the clout, influence, and potential those dyad, contrasting choices embrace, are found in NOW, today, and in this very moment.
What we have chosen to hold on to or to let go of in our past is irrevocable. It is beyond changing, irreversible, and unalterable. The power of those choices has long ago diminished – their consequence already felt and their aftermath realized.
Likewise, the power to hold on to or let go of something tomorrow is a gamble – for tomorrow is nothing more than an unfulfilled promise – an illusion that hasn’t yet come to pass. We are never promised tomorrow, so to delay our choice to hold on to a meaningful relationship or to let go of an offense or a destructive way of thinking is risky and dangerous.
So, what we choose to hold onto tightly and what we choose to set down and release boils down to a DAILY choice. As Havelock Ellis points out, the “art of living” (and living isn’t centered in tomorrow or lost in yesterday – It’s RIGHT NOW) is found in the balance of what we choose to grasp or let go.
Think of this: What if at the start of every day, you were given a piece of paper. On that paper, you were to write down three things worth holding on to – worth embracing that day. Maybe your list would include a loved one who is struggling, a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, or a way of thinking that centers in hope, expectancy, or gratitude. Regardless of what transpires within the day, you are CHOOSING to maintain your gripe on these things – holding them close to you and making them a part of life RIGHT NOW.
On this same piece of paper, you would record what you are choosing to let go – maybe a specific negative mindset, a particular situation and its eventual outcome, or a paradigm you’ve found yourself embracing about yourself. Again, regardless of what transpires as the day unfolds, you are determined to release these three things – allowing them to fall by the wayside as you move forward.
The effect of these choices and the magnitude of their result is found NOW – in this very moment. In fact, this power is so significant, so momentous, it can change the viewpoint and effect of what you have chosen to hold on to and let go of in YOUR PAST, as well as become a readily available source of strength and capability should tomorrow come your way.
Your daily choice to let go of bitterness, of unresolved hurt, or overwhelming disappointment can alter the influence of your past – making the art of living RIGHT NOW more enjoyable, rewarding, and worthwhile.
Your daily choice to hold on to your dreams, your hopefulness, and to the right people who add value to your life can not only improve the quality of your life RIGHT NOW, it can become a source of inspiration, encouragement, and guidance should the sun rise again tomorrow 🙂 The power of those choices made TODAY can linger on!
So my friend, are you looking down at your hands today and seeing what it is you are holding and grasping tightly? What needs to be held close? What needs to be released?
How about your mind, for it too has an ability to grasp and to hold on to – to forget, release, and liberate?
Decide today, RIGHT NOW, what desperately needs to remain, to be held close, and to never be let go of. Quickly, and with the same determination, decide what you need to set aside, to lie down, and to leave behind that has no value.
The power of those choices is centered in today my friend 🙂 God bless you now and always!
