I release this…
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
I cannot stop this virus from doing what it will do in the world.
I cannot make another person wear a mask, practice social distancing, or wash their hands.
I cannot stop another’s violence or unkind words.
I cannot ensure that my children and grandchildren are safe and happy now and in the future.
I cannot heal my mother-in-law’s broken hip or end her physical isolation.
I release this and let the Universe do her thing.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
I can wear my own mask, practice social distancing, and wash my hands.
I can take care of my body, mind, and spirit.
I can practice loving kindness in all my thoughts, words, and actions.
I can spend time with my children and grandchildren and offer my love in word and deed.
I can visit my mother-in-law often, even if only through the window, and send loving and healing energy her way.
I can trust the Universe.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
I release this and let the Universe do her thing.
Your turn
- Is there something you need to release?
- What is within your control that you will do today?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all. I just love hearing from you.
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Shared on MLSTL.
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I liked reading this comforting post that touches some of my current thoughts & fears. We are not alone. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome Karen. We are definitely in this together. May you be well!
I need to release and let God but as always I keep trying to tell Him how things need to be done. lol I know I can’t control people wearing masks or distancing but it drives me crazy when they won’t.
Hello Victoria. It’s so good to hear from you. And I’m right there with you. I think giving up the desire to control things is even more difficult than accepting that we don’t have control.
I love this post.❤️ Kind of along these same lines my daughter has been watching a series that she really liked but the story line started causing her stress. She decided to quit watching because she jokingly said “she wasn’t mentally strong enough to take it.” I gave her kudos for doing something in her control, albeit small, to relieve any extra anxiety.
Isn’t that interesting how we do that to ourselves–watch or read things that cause us additional, unnecessary stress? Good for her on realizing it and letting it go.
Interesting. I’m not sure if I can do it so simply….I tend to process it more (probably more than really necessary). Will try next time…#MLSTL
It’s a challenge for sure, Lydia. Just when I’m feeling all zen, the anxiety or discouragement creeps back in. But the deep breathing and conscious releasing does help. It’s definitely not “one and done” though. It’s over and over again…and thus the reason I posted this. Hang in there! ❤️
I love this Christie. Your post is very powerful. I’ve been trying not to stress about what I can’t control but it’s difficult during these times. I found your post to be quite comforting
Thank you Jennifer. I’m glad you took comfort in these words. It’s a lesson I find I need to learn over and over again.
Very wise words, Christie. There is so much that we can do. Let’s focus on that and release ourselves, and others, from what we can’t.
Thank you Donna. I appreciate that you included releasing others. Part of my journey has been learning to accept others exactly as they are and not try to “fix” them.
Hi Christie, Your first two lines are the best advice! Simple, yet do what we can control and then just Breathe in, Breathe out. Funny how I need to hear this often. Your post brought tears to me eyes. Thank you! xx ❤️
Yes Erica. So simple, and yet sometimes so difficult to do. Just keep breathing. A lesson I need to learn over and over it seems.
Great reminders, Christie, to focus on our breaths and what we can do. #MLSTL
I wrote this as much for myself as anyone, Natalie. I was feeling anxiety and discouragement sneaking back in. I had to acknowledge it, accept it, and then take a deep breath and let it go. I’m glad the reminder has also been helpful to others.
Hi Christie – it’s so hard to let go sometimes isn’t it? To realize that we can’t control everything and we certainly can’t control others. I think one of the biggest lessons Midlife has taught me is to release stuff that’s out of my control and to worry about it less. Still getting there, but your post was another great reminder. Sending warm thoughts and hugs your way xx #MLSTL
Thank you Leanne. I feel those warm thoughts and hugs through your words. I have gotten much better at letting things go, but as you pointed out, it’s an ongoing learning process–not necessarily a “one and done.”
Wonderful advice and important. I appreciate the rhythm, what I can’t do, what I can. Breathe in, Breathe out. Trust. In a time, right now, July 14th, when so much tension has built up, over this relatively simple task of wearing masks, this post is needed. Thank you! Michele
saved to my Pinterest Board. Michele
Thank you!
Thank you for those kind words, Michele. It is so strange to me that we have reached a point where even discussing masks creates so much divide. And so I remind myself that I actively choose love over judgment.
Oh Christie, I needed this today! It could have been my words but I love the way you have captured the essence of letting go and trying to stop the circular notion of thoughts. I do hope things are going well and you are coping with it all. Thanks for your wise words. #mlstl
So glad I could help, Deb. I get trapped in my head once in awhile, and it really does help to shift attention to my breathing and then refocus my attention on those things within my control. Overall, my loved ones and I are doing remarkably well. I hope the same is true for you.
Such a good message, Christie. Thank you for sharing. As always a great post and much valued for its truth….we can only control ourselves…sigh!
Denyse. #mlstl
Ah, yes Denyse…big sigh. ? I’m working on truly accepting others just where they are. My sangha group has a motto of sorts, “Come as you are.” We accept you. We won’t try to fix you. Sometimes easier said than done. Still, a worthy goal, and one that I hope others will extend to me as well.
Hi Christy –
Lovely post to remind us that we can only take responsibility for ourselves. Thank you.
Helen
You are welcome, Helen. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Just beautiful, Christie and very much needed at this time. Thank you for sharing at #MLSTL and enjoy the rest of your week. xx
You’re welcome Sue. Thank you for hosting.
I do make an effort to change things for the better in my control or influence but sometimes I can’t and I have to let that go.
Exactly Christine. The tricky part sometimes is recognizing the difference.
You know Release is my WOTY… so of course I love this! My favorite is actually the first bit… I cannot make another person wear a mask…or wear a mask correctly! LOL. I went shopping today and mandatory masks does not mean people know how to wear them. I saw them pulled off to talk on the phone and not over the nose (a lot!). But I am quite thankful so many stores have gone to mandatory masks… I can’t control it, but they can!
I’ve feel very often these days that every little thing is the straw that breaks the camel’s back…breathe in and breathe out is a reminder I definitely need. Stay safe.
So true, Pat! If masks weren’t so critical, it would be comical how I see them worn at times. I can relate to what you said about the straw that breaks the camel’s back. I have to consciously practice release a lot lately. I am very grateful for the mindfulness practice I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s coming in handy now. ?