"手放すことが私たちに自由を与え、自由は幸福の唯一の条件です。心の中でまだ何かにしがみついている場合ー怒り、不安、または所有物ー私たちは自由になることはできません。"

Letting go is the secret to finding true freedom and happiness. Basically, if you’re holding on to negative emotions like anger or anxiety, or even clinging to material things, you can't really be free—and without freedom, happiness isn’t possible.

This idea comes from Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, who’s shared heaps of wisdom over his lifetime. Imagine living through the Vietnam War; you'd see firsthand how holding on to anger and resentment can destroy lives and communities. That’s the context where he shared his teachings on letting go. It’s all about not letting past struggles define your present.

Let's put this into a real-life scenario. Think about someone who’s gone through a rough breakup. You might know someone who holds onto that bitterness for years, maybe even you. They keep replaying old arguments in their head, and every little thing reminds them of their ex. It’s like they’re stuck in this loop of anger and sadness. Now, imagine if they decided to let go. They could choose to remember the good times, learn from the bad, and move on. They’d be free to find new relationships and new happiness. That’s practical letting go.

So how can you apply this in your own life? Start small. Maybe you’re hanging on to a grudge against a co-worker who took credit for your idea. It’s eating you up inside. Try to practice mindfulness—acknowledge that you’re angry, but then make a conscious decision to let it go. It’s not about pretending it didn't happen or that it was okay; it’s about not letting it control you anymore. Forgive, not for their sake, but for yours.

Here’s another story. Picture this: Sarah loved her job, but it was incredibly stressful. She worked late nights, missed family dinners, and was constantly anxious about her performance. One day, she realized she hadn't felt truly happy in years. She was holding on to the job because of the salary and prestige. Then, Sarah took a leap. She left her high-paying job and found work at a smaller company with a more relaxed environment. She let go of the anxiety tied to her old job, and guess what? She found happiness in her new, simpler life.

This doesn’t mean you have to make drastic changes overnight. It’s about recognizing what you’re holding on to and deciding if it’s worth your peace of mind. Think about your life like a backpack. If you’re carrying around rocks labeled “grudges,” “worry,” and “stuff I don’t need,” you’re going to get tired. Start taking out the rocks. You’ll feel lighter and freer.

We all have things we need to let go of. Maybe it’s a past mistake, or it’s the fear of failure that’s keeping you stuck. Identify it, acknowledge it, and then make a conscious decision to let it go. Remember, it’s for your happiness, your freedom. Holding on only chains you down. Letting go sets you free.