The Art of Letting Go

I am a bit of a control freak, a "need to do it myself" type that likes things mentally organised. I often use perfectly good energy trying to plan, predict and prevent things that i cannot possibly plan, predict or prevent.

I like things compartmentalized, i live with lists and schedules and i rather like it.

Unfortunately the world does not work this way, it is chaotic, scary and sometimes requires us to surrender. Easier said than done, i know.  It is one of the hardest things in the world to let go; of control, of that primal need to ensure safety, love and security.

I have realised in my short span of existence, that surrendering to the unknown is necessary because life is just too big to be placed in a safely padded box.

There are lessons in the out of control moments, the chaotic encounters and in letting go of the need to master it all. A definite sense of freedom and confidence comes from knowing when to cut your losses and move on.

Words...

It's all in the Art...

In my first year at University i had a lecturer that recommended we read the "Art of War" by Sun Tzu, i read it however at that particular time i did not understand the fuss or hidden meanings behind this ancient text. A few days ago i re-read it on a flight heading home and the one quote that jumps out at me is;

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle”

I might be completely off the mark with what Sun Tzu wanted his warriors to remember but this has a two folded meaning for me. 

Firstly if you do not know the enemy you will lose as often as you win, all battles will be 50/50 and you will always fight with fear of the unknown, questioning tactics and power. However, if you know both yourself and the enemy perhaps you will win more because you would not be afraid to fight. Perhaps you will risk more because the reward will be personal. 

Secondly; it also speaks of the importance of knowing and understanding others in the battle where the conflict is theoretical and the war personal. If you've fought a battle where you gained a greater understanding of yourself and the other person, you've gained something greater than a mere win, and the outcome of the battle itself is irrelevant.

I think the greatest battles we fight in this life is with ourselves, we tend to be our worse enemies so perhaps if we master the art of self love then mastering the art of war would be easier. 

Women's Day

I am very lucky to have been surrounded in this world with impecable women that have taught me how to live, how to love and how to keep fighting.

From my mother i have learnt to have courage and faith in the midst of any storm.

From my sister and cousins i have learnt how to laugh at the world and make lemonade when life hands me lemons.

From Melissa, Emma and Sabrina i have learnt that loving yourself is a precious gift, they are probably the only people i know that displays this whole heartedly in unwaved friendship.

An from the many women who have come into my life, stayed awhile and then graciously parted i have learnt that a women's strength lies in the battles she willingly fights and in her will power to overcome. That a women does not need to be loud to be bold or heard.

That her joy lies in the smiles of those around her and in the small way she can change lives.

Happy Women's Day too you all.