Letting Go

Letting Go
James Robinson
Copyright 2009

Many people ask, “how am I supposed to let go”, or “what does it mean to let go?” Most people have attachments to others, to money, to beliefs systems (“BS”) or to self-image. People are most attached to how other people think about them. All of this leads to suffering. In order to let go, we have to detach ourselves to preconception, prejudice and judgment. It is not a physical action, to “let go” of someone doesn’t mean to physically leave or to throw them out of the house. What “letting go” means is detachment and opening your heart.

I often have debates with people who feel like their lives are unfair or they are victims. They don’t have what they want and they get depressed about it. I often think of that old song what sings, “If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you are with!” Another way of saying that is if you want to be happy, be happy with what you have. I remember a saying “Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get.” If we detach and let go of wanting something we don’t have, or detach from the fear of losing what we have, we would be so happy we wouldn’t have time for fear.

The following is a good list of do’s and don’ts for letting go.

To "Let Go" does not mean to stop caring.

It means we can't take responsibility for other's actions.

To “Let Go” does not mean to give up,

It means to quit expecting a certain result to our actions.

To “Let Go” does not mean to isolate ourself,

It means that whatever anyone thinks of us is none of our business.

To "Let Go" is not to cut myself off.

It's the realization that I can't control another.

To "Let Go" is not to quit living,

But to recognize the outcome is not in my control, but in God's.

To “Let Go” doesn’t mean we give away our power,

It means that we quit playing God.

To "Let Go" is not to try to change or blame another.

But to know who we are.

To "Let Go" is not to enable,

but have compassion with detachment.

To "Let Go" is not to fix, which is playing God,

but to be supportive and celebrate the paths of others.

To "Let Go" is not to judge,

but to accept that we all are perfect.

To "Let Go" is not to be in the middle, arranging all the outcomes,

but to allow others to affect their own destinies.

To "Let Go" is to quit comparing ourselves to others,

And to recognize how precious we are.

To “Let Go” means to quit manipulating others

And start living our own lives.

To "Let Go" means to quit complaining about others;

And instead search out our own shortcomings and correct them.

To "Let Go" does not mean to give up on our dreams,

but to take each day as it comes and be glad we are in it.

To "Let Go" does not mean to ignore our lessons,

but to quit beating ourselves up for them.

To “Let Go” is not to be in denial,

And to realize that others are a reflection of me.

To “Let Go” is to put down the microscope

And pick up the mirror.

To “Let Go” is to stop being responsible for everyone else

And start being responsible for my actions.

To “Let Go” does not mean to turn your back on wealth

It means the realization that wealth does not create happiness; happiness creates wealth.

To "Let Go" is to stop worrying and to love more. By using these steps, letting go is more understandable and effective. Good luck!