Letting go of the little stuff

Each and every day we experience numerous disappointments. Our plans are blocked by circumstance, our expectations go unmet,, our wishes go unfulfilled, and we discover that our lives are subject to a myriad of forces beyond our control. In some cases, our response is powerful because we must invest ourselves and our resources to overcome genuine hardship. In others, our reactions are far more passionate than our circumstances likely warrant. The tension that permeates our bodies and minds when we are late for an event, interrupted at work, or sitting in traffic is not inappropriate, but it can interfere with our well-being in profound ways. When we stop worrying about relatively unimportant matters, we can devote so much more of ourselves to what is truly important and be at peace.

The small frustrations and irritations wield such power over us because they rob us of the illusion of control. But every problem is a potential teacher. A confusing situation is an opportunity to practice mindfulness, and difficult people provide us with opportunities to display compassion. There is a natural human tendency to invest copious amounts of emotional energy in minor dilemmas and frustrations in order to avoid confronting those more complex issues that are largely outside the realm of our control. The intensity of our response provides us with a temporary sense of personal power that helps us cope with challenges that might otherwise overwhelm us. But it is only when we let the little stuff go that we discover that the big stuff is really not so devastating after all.

In the stress of a singularly tense incident, differentiating between an inconsequential annoyance and a legitimate challenge can seem a monumental task. Ask yourself whether the emotions you are feeling will be as vivid in a year, a day, or even an hour. As focused as you are on this moment in time, your reward for letting go of your emotional investment and stopping lamenting the loss, may be the very happiness and harmony of just being. Needless aggravation is seldom worth the cost it exacts. You cannot distance yourself from life’s inconsistencies, irritations, and upheavals, but you can relinquish your desire for perfect order and gain peace of mind in the process.

If this has resonated with you in any way, please get in touch. hello@maggiecurrie.co.uk. Work with me, improve your confidence and see how much more you can achieve.

It is never too late to make changes in your life. Change can be subtle or, if you feel it is time, you can completely overhaul your life. Maybe you feel stuck or trapped in a life which isn’t bringing you the happiness you desire. You can change your story at any time.

Maggie Currie