This past week really tested my need for control. I had a lot going on emotionally as I was getting ready to travel back to New York to honor the passing of my Aunt Ronnie. There was a snowstorm moving across the country, flights were being delayed and canceled, and plans kept changing. Emotions were already high, and with everything unfolding the way it was, I had to keep reminding myself that there were things outside of my control that I just had to accept.
As the week unfolded, I could feel anxiety start to creep in with all the unknowns. I can’t control the weather or the flights, but I can control how present I stay and how I choose to show up in the middle of it. This is a reflection on surrender and releasing that grip. I share a story from my teenage years as a lifeguard, helping a frightened little girl learn how to float, and how breath, trust, and letting go allowed her to be supported by the water. On today’s Wise Walk, I invite you to slow down and reflect on where you may be holding on too tightly, and become aware of what you can control or release to help you discover peace and freedom amidst the uncertainty.
- When you notice anxiety, stress, fear, or a lack of safety coming up, how much of that is a need for control, and how much might be a trigger from something else?
- Are you able to identify the root of that emotion and consider how you might respond differently so you can reduce anxiety, stress, or fear?
- How do you gain awareness and focus on the present, when you’re facing resistance or situations that are outside of your control?
- Is there an area of your life where you realize that you may be trying to control something that isn’t actually yours to control?
- As you take yourself on a Wise Walk, can you notice what’s triggering your stress and consider whether more realistic expectations might help you feel supported and grounded?
- Can you visualize yourself floating, breathing, and being supported by what’s around you, trusting that you are safe and worthy, exactly as you are?
- Are there tasks or goals in your life that are distracting you from where you want to go, or are they supporting you in feeling more at peace and showing up the way you want?
- Can you feel good about the small steps you’re taking so that even when things don’t go as planned, you know you that did what you could?
- If circumstances don’t allow you to show up in the way you originally intended, how might you still be present in a different way, whether in spirit, intention, or connection?
- Can you shift your energy away from needing things to happen in a very specific way and open yourself to new ways of participating through the things you can control?
It’s my hope that we can float together. That we can surrender, release, and find a little more peace, letting Mother Nature, the water, and the elements support us along the way.
As always, I’d love to hear what you took away from today’s episode, so please feel free to reach out and send me a DM.
I’m sending good thoughts your way and hoping that you feel supported in all the ways that really matter to you. I look forward to next Thursday’s Wise Walk.
In this episode:
- [03:44] When I was in high school I was a lifeguard at the Marriott Hotel. I remember helping a five-year-old girl who had a fear of floating.
- [05:55] I coached her on how to let go and to let the water do the work for her. She needed to release anxiety, stress, and control. The more she released her tension and grip, the easier it became for her to float.
- [06:19] This is true in life. If we’re resisting, we’re fighting against the grain. Accepting safety and support can appear in a way that we’re not used to.
- [07:01] The art of surrendering is what will keep us afloat. I needed to remind myself of this during this stressful week with so many factors coming into play.
- [08:08] The best thing I can do is surrender and do the things I can control. We need to see surrender as a strength. It’s not defeat.
- [09:20] I’m also separating from holding on too tightly, expecting things to happen the way that I want them to.
- [10:47] I feel safe and supported right now from the Universe and the individuals who decide whether it’s safe to fly or not.
- [11:08] I’m going to stay in my lane, and visualize myself floating in the water.
Memorable Quotes:
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- “There are things outside of my control that I just have to accept, and I have to do the best I can with what’s in front of me.” – Mary Tess
- “We can’t control the weather or the airlines or the flights, but we can control certain things in our life, and we can also surrender what we can’t control.” – Mary Tess
- “When we let go and release the attachment to what we think should happen, it allows us to move through things with more peace.” – Mary Tess
- “Trying to control things we can’t control just creates more stress, more anxiety, and more fear of uncertainty.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources: