The art of letting go

My usual quiet Friday evening took an exciting turn recently when me and one of my girlfriends took up the University of Portsmouth's (UoP) offer of a Girls' Night. At the sports centre! Zumba, tick; Squash, I soon realised I was terrible at and then rock climbing! I knew it would be a full body workout, having to haul your body weight.

What I hadn't thought through was this: after making progress and climbing up the wall, you had to let go to drop back to the ground. I know this is obvious. For someone with a healthy fear of heights, and water - still managed to pass the sea survival course, another story for another day, my main objective was to get as high up the wall as could. And then I froze! I could not let go. That is how I learnt that the art of letting go, is necessary albeit not always easy. When I finally made a bumpy return to base, I told my girlfriend I will write a book titled "The art of letting go". I took a short cut and asked Co-Pilot to help me with a motivational speech and this is what it said.?

On "The art of letting go", co-produced with Co-Pilot.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I want to talk about a concept as vital to our well-being as the air we breathe—the art of letting go. In our pursuit of happiness and success, we often cling to things, ideas, or people that no longer serve us. Letting go can be one of the most challenging yet liberating experiences we encounter. To understand this better, let's look to nature, our greatest teacher.

Consider the changing seasons. Each year, trees go through a cycle of growth, flourishing, and shedding. In autumn, trees let go of their leaves, not as an act of loss, but as a preparation for renewal. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows we admire are a tree’s graceful acceptance of change. The tree knows that to survive the harsh winter and to thrive in the spring, it must let go of what is no longer needed. It trusts in the process of growth, understanding that letting go is a necessary step for new life to emerge. Similarly, in our lives, letting go of outdated beliefs, past hurts, or unproductive habits can make space for new opportunities and personal growth.

Look at the river. The river does not resist the obstacles in its path. It flows around rocks and boulders, creating its course and shaping the landscape in the process. The river teaches us that flexibility and adaptability are crucial. By letting go of rigid expectations and embracing the flow of life, we can navigate challenges more effectively. The river’s journey to the sea is not a straight line but a meandering path, full of twists and turns. This mirrors our own lives, where the path to our goals is rarely direct. By letting go of our need for control and embracing the journey, we can find peace and progress.

Moreover, think about the caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. During its metamorphosis, the caterpillar must let go of its former self to become something entirely new. It retreats into a cocoon, a period of vulnerability and uncertainty, before emerging as a beautiful butterfly. This transformation highlights that letting go often requires courage and faith. We may not always see what lies ahead, but by releasing our fears and trusting the process, we can achieve our fullest potential.

In the vast ocean, we find another lesson in letting go. The tides ebb and flow, constantly moving and changing. The ocean does not cling to the shore but allows itself to be in constant motion. This teaches us the importance of embracing change and releasing our grip on what we cannot control. By letting go, we allow ourselves to be open to new experiences and opportunities, just as the ocean welcomes each wave.

In conclusion, letting go is not about loss but about making room for growth, transformation, and new beginnings. Nature shows us that it is a natural and necessary part of life. By adopting the lessons from the trees, rivers, caterpillars, and oceans, we can learn to let go with grace and trust. Embrace the art of letting go, and watch as new possibilities unfold before you.

Thank you.

What do you think?

University of Portsmouth more of these Girls' Nights. Please and thank you.