Time to Let Go

Did you know that monkeys like shiny things? In an interesting study, researchers put shiny pieces of aluminum foil in the bottom of a glass milk bottle. When wild monkeys saw the shiny foil, they stuck their hands inside to pull it out. The only problem is that in order to hang on to the foil, their hand was in a fist rather than open. Their fist was too big to fit through the mouth of the bottle, so they were stuck...literally: leave the shiny foil and be free or hold on to the foil and hope that a miracle happens. Seems like an easy choice, right? Let go of the foil. But they didn't let go and wouldn't even when they saw someone approaching. They chose to hang on so tightly to the foil that they were easily captured. (They were released as it was simply a study on behavior.)

So what would you do? Let go of the shiny stuff or hope for a miracle? Common sense says let go of the stuff. But is it really that easy? Are there things in our life that we hold on to so tightly that it's causing us to be caught and to lose our freedom? Let me suggest a few shiny things that have caught me (and maybe you) in their grip over the years:

• Shopping: whether for clothes, books or scrapbook supplies. We like our stuff and don't like budgets. But debt is a relentless prison guard that robs us of freedom and peace.
• Busyness: this is the bain of my existence. I get busy, stay busy and then suffer from weariness from being so busy. We must create and maintain balance. We must say no, choose the one thing that is most important, and rigorously guard ourself from overcommitment.
• Food: oh yes, you know I had to go there. I love my mochas, chocolates, and other delights. In moderation it's fine. But when I "reward" myself every day, it's less about reward and more about "addiction".
• Television: with Fall season premieres and new shows being rolled out, this is the season where we fall prey to time-stealers. Guard your time...choose your shows...and don't let yourself get sucked into the abyss of the television. You might even consider unplugging it for a while to see how it transforms your life. We just did it last night so I'll let you know how it goes.

You get the point. What are your shiny things? Maybe it's not material, but emotional or relational...a resentment, anger, or something unforgiven that has you caught in its grip. Perhaps a relationship that you know is not healthy, but you can't let go for fear that nothing better will come along.

Let's all take note of those dear little monkeys that allowed themselves to be captured because of a refusal to let things go.

Open your hand, let go of whatever seems to be holding you back, and experience the joy of being free. Not only will you move forward in freedom, but with empty hands, you now have room to receive and the receiving of new gifts is a wonderful and delightful thing. Letting go of some personal things on my retreat last week opened me up to a whole new world of gifts that I've been receiving all week...including you, my dear friends and readers! Won't you join me?

Comments

[niecey]

I believe that everyone holds onto something or someone too tightly even if it is not healthy simply because they are used to that thing or person. I have done that. It may hurt at first to seperate but you will be glad you did when you feel a sense of relief and peace months and years down the line.

[niecey]

I believe that everyone holds onto something or someone too tightly even if it is not healthy simply because they are used to that thing or person. I have done that. It may hurt at first to seperate but you will be glad you did when you feel a sense of relief and peace months and years down the line.

[Alexandria]

This post really helped me. I have been having a bad day so far and reading this has just changed everything. I even opened my fists... I guess letting it all go.

Thank you!
Alexandria

p.s. I plan to be a dedicated reader.

[Megan H]

Your posts never cease to inspire me. Thank you for referencing your old posts in new posts so that those of us who just started reading your blog can read gems like this one. I especially like the idea of food as a "shiny thing". That's something I need to keep constantly remining myself.

[jenn in holland]

Excellent post. I remember this image of grabbing the shiny things in "where the red fern grows" as that is how they caught raccoons. Funny, what sticks with you.
I love how you equate the letting go of things as a way toward personal growth. Really well said.

[Cool Mama]

Great post! The comment on food going from 'reward' to addiction - really spoke to me - ouch!! But really, good stuff!

[Holly Schwendiman]

I just shared how renewed I am to the first day of the rest of my life today by realizing that I hold on too tightly to being finished completely. It's amazing what liberation comes from recongizing what you're holding on to too tightly and letting go! *wink*

Hugs,
Holly
Holly's Corner

[Karen]

I love this. Had to link to it from my blog - so hopefully you'll end up with a few new readers. Nice blog. Stumbled across your blog from Blogging Chicks!

[Kailani]

What a great post! I love stories that make you stop and think about your own life. I know of a few things I could let go of . . . blogging, shopping, over-scheduling . . . to name a few.