Let go

We hold on very tightly to things we cherish. People, things, pets, feelings. We believe we're protecting them from harm. Mostly, we're making ourselves feel better by keeping them close. We believe that no one can do better by them. We think no one can care for them more. We cling desperately onto them because we think it makes everything better, ignoring the voice inside that says, let go.

When we let go, we feel like we've lost control. We've given up. We believe we've failed or worse, disappointed. But truthfully, the love you used to hold onto that person or thing or feeling, probably was sucking everything good you ever cherished out of it. It's possible that by letting go and stepping back, you can help it grow again. We're not giving up. We're not loosing. We're helping it grow stronger.

The hardest part about letting go is realizing that holding on was wrong. It wasn't doing anyone any good. It was draining the life and love from both parties. What's that quote? Something like "The harder you squeeze a fist full of sand in your palm the faster is will fall from your hand. If you open your palm and let the sand just lay there, it will stay with you forever." Something like that. Sometimes we need to remember to stop squeezing and just open our hand.

The ongoing list of uncompromiseables...

#3: Compassion

To have compassion, a person must step outside of themselves and try to understand where another person is coming from. It's hard. Not everyone can put aside their judgments and preconceived ideas and really try to not only "get" another person, but then have sympathy for them. True compassion is then trying to help make them feel better. Again, it's hard.

Sometimes I feel selfish. I think, why should I care if someone else is hurting? Would they care? Would they try to help me if I was hurting? Usually the answer is yes. Yes they would. Because people are good. And good people care about other people. Although we all go through phases of selfishness and indifference to those around us, inherently we are good.

Compassion is a tough one. It takes work. It's also something you don't acquire one day. But it is something you can eventually arrive at.