The Challenge

"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on." ~ Henry Ellis


This is one of my favorite quotes. The words are so basic, but hold such tremendous truth and wisdom. I feel as though I am at a point where something needs to change...something needs to be different. And, I believe, it is the way I think about (ahem) certain things...

So, to all of those out there like myself, who burden our hearts and souls with the heavy loads we continuously pile on ourselves - the challenge is this:

Let go.

Let go of all those things that are useless to worry about, or are out of your control. Let go of any acquaintances that do not help to fulfill you and your life. Let go of the guilt you place on yourself for not being the perfect______ (fill in the blank with whatever "titles" you hold - mine being: Mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, aunt, neighbor). No one is perfect. No one has it all figured out. This I know for sure. Let go of fear; it will only stop happiness from coming in. And finally, let go of the mask. This is a huge one for me. Let go of hiding behind that "everything is good!" persona that we want everyone else to see. Let it go. Be real. It is so much better.

Hold on.

Hold on to all that brings you happiness. Hold on to everything and everyone worthwhile of your love and attention. Hold on to honesty. Hold on to simplicity amongst all the chaos; be it sunshine, a child's laughter, or a good cup of coffee. Hold on to good friends; they make the journey we are on so much better. Hold on to your passions; they make us who we are. Hold on to memories.; they are the story board of our lives; telling where we have been, what we have overcome, and why we are the way we are. Hold on to inspiration big or small. Hold on to imperfections; they make life more interesting. Hold on to doing the best you can, and forget about the rest.


It is indeed a fine mingling... but it doesn't always have to be as hard as we make it...