Knowing when it’s time to give up, surrender, or simply let go. It’s a nuanced subject that can make all the difference in your journey towards personal growth and empowerment.
In case we haven’t met, I’m Jennifer Van Wyk, and I wear multiple hats – I’m an aid worker, a psychotherapist, and a best-selling author. I work with people who are striving to be their best, overcome life’s obstacles, and become better versions of themselves. But here’s the catch: it’s not just about trying harder; it’s about understanding when it’s essential to let go.
Empowerment through Love, Not Fear
My mantra? Choosing love over fear. It’s about operating from a place of love, even when we make mistakes or feel ashamed of our actions. The same principle applies to the act of trying and letting go.
There are various words for letting go – surrendering, giving up, even feeling like a puddle of mush. Sometimes, we choose to let go willingly, but sometimes life forces us to the point where we can’t try anymore. It’s not necessarily out of love when you’ve been beaten down, but it’s also not based on fear. It’s a matter of saying, “Okay, I’m going to let go.”
Ironically, and counterintuitively, that’s when the shift happens. When you let go from a place of trust or a belief that it’s out of your hands, that’s when the clouds part and the sun finally shines through.
The Treading Water Metaphor
Imagine life as treading water. Many of us are constantly trying not to drown. We keep treading, but it’s exhausting. You might manage it for a while, maybe even an hour or a couple of hours if you’re a strong swimmer, but eventually, you can’t keep it up. You start to feel like you’re drowning, like you might die.
Now, what if, instead of trying to stay afloat, you just relaxed all your muscles and floated on top of the water? That’s what letting go is all about. It’s relaxing, allowing life to flow, and accepting that some things are beyond our control.
Embracing the Unpredictability of Life
I’m all for empowerment and taking responsibility for our actions. We can make practical changes in our lives, but we can’t predict the unpredictable. Events like COVID, wars, natural disasters, or earthquakes are beyond our control. We often try to plan for these, but they can be upended by totally random and unpredictable occurrences.
It’s a tough reality to face because it can make us feel out of control, leading to increased anxiety. When we’re anxious, we often try to control more aspects of our lives, like our eating habits, exercise routines, or how things look on a table. But in these moments, we really need to let go, surrender, and embrace the fact that true healing and transformation come when we trust the process.
The Dark Side of Giving Up
On the other hand, there’s the scenario where we’ve experienced one setback after another. This can lead to a sense of learned helplessness, where we’ve been knocked down so many times that we no longer want to try. This response often stems from fear and disillusionment. It’s not a time to surrender; it’s a time to evaluate our methods and find ways to infuse love into the situation, whether for ourselves, others, or the circumstance itself.
Where is the line for you between giving up and surrendering?
How do you see this nuanced difference between not trying and letting go? I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions because this concept is still percolating in my mind.
Feel free to share your insights on my Instagram or YouTube accounts and engage in a discussion. I believe it’s through conversations like these that we can gain a deeper understanding of when it’s time to give up and when it’s time to surrender for transformation.
If you enjoyed this article, please subscribe to my channel for more insightful content. I can’t wait to read your comments and thoughts. Take care, and remember, sometimes, letting go is the most empowering choice you can make.
