The Art of Letting Go

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns—things that disrupt our plans, bring uncertainty and weigh us down. We often find ourselves grappling with challenges, wishing we could control everything that happens. But as the Stoics wisely taught, there’s a better way: letting go of what we can’t control.

At the core of Stoic philosophy is a simple, yet powerful idea: we cannot control everything around us, but we can control how we react. This concept, though seemingly straightforward, holds the key to finding inner peace, even in life’s stormiest moments.

The Wisdom of Letting Go

Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, taught that peace comes from understanding what is within our control and what isn’t. Imagine holding two baskets in front of you. In one, you place all the things you can control—your thoughts, your actions, your words. In the other basket, you place the things you can’t control—other people’s opinions, unexpected events, and outcomes beyond your influence.

The beauty of Stoic philosophy is that it encourages us to focus on filling the first basket—what we can control. This means shaping our attitude, making wise choices, and responding gracefully when life throws us a curveball. As Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic emperor, once said, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

Finding Peace in Acceptance

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up or ignoring life’s challenges. It means accepting that we can’t control everything—and that’s okay. When we release the need to control the uncontrollable, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and frustration. We find peace in accepting life as it is, not as we wish.

Epictetus, another Stoic philosopher, taught that "It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." This shift in focus allows us to embrace the present moment, untangled from what we cannot change. It invites us to channel our energy toward what we can influence—our mindset, reactions, and approach to life’s challenges.

The Gift of Letting Go

When we practice letting go of what we can’t control, we open ourselves to a life of greater joy and serenity. It doesn’t mean we won’t face hard times, but it means those tough moments won’t crush our spirit. We learn to ride the waves of life with resilience, knowing that while we can’t control the ocean, we can navigate our own ship.

Letting go is a gift we give ourselves. It’s the freedom to breathe easier, to release the tight grip on what we can’t change, and to live with a lighter heart. As we let go, we create space for new possibilities, for healing, and peace.

A Journey Worth Taking

Letting go is a journey, not a final destination. It’s something we practice every day, especially when life feels overwhelming. The Stoics remind us that we hold the key to our peace. By focusing on what we can control—our actions, our thoughts, and our responses—we can find strength, even in the most uncertain times.

So, as we walk through life’s ups and downs, let’s remember the wisdom of the Stoics: let go of what you can’t control, and embrace the freedom, peace, and strength that come with focusing on what you can.

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My Stoic Journey

I must confess—I can be a bit of a control freak (Sorry, my dear husband; sorry, children!). My parents instilled in me the importance of always being well-prepared, which made me feel the need to manage everything. Then, I found myself in the hospital, unable to control anything. I couldn’t move, and others had to take care of my life and needs—thank you to those amazing caregivers! At that moment, I learned to let go.

Surprisingly, I discovered a sense of freedom. This profound realization completely changed my perspective. By learning to trust others and easing my tight grip on every detail of my life, I opened myself up to new experiences and deeper connections. I began to appreciate the beauty of unpredictability and the strength that comes with vulnerability.

This newfound freedom encouraged me to embrace spontaneity and to value the kindness and compassion of those around me. I learned that control isn’t the goal—it’s the journey and the relationships we cultivate along the way that truly matter.

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Image: Mila Morris & Open AI