Let it Go

Definition of the word TRUST (as found in the Miriam Webster On-Line Dictionary)

1 a : assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something b : one in which confidence is placed 2 a : dependence on something future or contingent : HOPE b : reliance on future payment for property (as merchandise) delivered : CREDIT (bought furniture on trust) 3 a : a property interest held by one person for the benefit of another b : a combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement; especially : one that reduces or threatens to reduce competition 4 archaic : TRUSTWORTHINESS 5 a (1) : a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship (2) : something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another b : responsible charge or office c : CARE, CUSTODY (the child committed to her trust)

Definition of the word TRUST (according to Real Woman on the Run Magazine)

1 a : the act of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual surrender : TRUST (In God I trust)


I am a control freak. I worry almost obsessively about all of the things I cannot control (Yes, I am aware that it isn't good for me, I'm working on it).

Intellectually, I am aware that ‘control’ of any person, thing or condition is an illusion.

Logically I know that I don't control anything outside of my own thoughts, my own words and my own actions.

This presents me with a constant challenge: to TRUST in the goodness and intention of a force that is bigger, more powerful and more loving than me.

Relinquishing and surrendering my desire (and sometimes my attempts) to control events, people and things around me is continual work.

For example: (1) My children are who they are and their lives are their own journey to travel. I can educate and support, but not control their path, their decisions or the outcome. (2) My colleagues are bright and interesting but ethics and priorities vary in individuals and I cannot control the result of their business choices. I recognize that we all have differing opinions, styles and capabilities so I don’t stress over their results and focus solely on my own. (3) My health is valuable and precious. I can eat well, exercise regularly, get a ton of rest, sunshine and fresh air, but it is no guarantee of what the future holds for me.

Trust requires that I release the pressure and anxiety surrounding the outcome of any story.

Time and again I have been shown the beauty of how surrender works. And time and again, I fall into old traps of perceiving I can influence ANYthing outside of my own thoughts, words and deeds.

My mom is one smart cookie. She often says 'It is what it is.' I hate that sentence. It irritates me like a sliver in my sock. It says to me, ‘it is what it is AND YOU CAN’T CHANGE IT!’ But like I said, she’s a smartie and I think she is teaching me (and maybe reminding herself at the same time) another way of practicing release. More like ‘it is what it is, and that’s all.’ No hidden meanings. No way around it. No way to change it.

When I surrender the thought of what it is I WANT (or DON'T WANT) to happen… and I mean, GENUINELY let go of my thoughts of control and influence and TRUST that all will be as it will be, I am always pleasantly surprised and in awe of what happens.

Not only are the results far better than anything I could have created through my own attempts to control but I experience overwhelming relief as the stress and strain of worry is lifted like an enormous boulder off my shoulders.

My homework: I must work more diligently at TRUSTing in the goodness and relief of surrender.