Surrender and Letting Go (Just Let Them Be)

It's easy to get wrapped up in trying to control everything and everyone around us. I've often found myself trapped in this endless cycle of micro-managing and worrying. But recently, I came across a beautiful piece by Cassie Phillips titled "Just Let Them," which has profoundly shifted my perspective. This poem serves as a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best thing we can do is simply let others be.

Here is the poem "Just Let Them" by Cassie Phillips:

If they want to choose something or someone over you, let them. 

If they want to go weeks without talking to you,  let them. 

If they are okay with never seeing you, let them.  

If they are okay with always putting themselves first, let them. 

If they are showing you who they are and not what you perceive them to be, let them.  

If they want to follow the crowd, let them. 

If they want to judge or misunderstand you, let them. 

If they act like they can live without you, let them. 

If they want to walk out of your life and leave, pull the door open and let them. 

Let them lose you. 

You were never theirs because you were always your own,  so let them.  

Let them show you who they truly are, not tell you. 

Let them prove how worthy they are of your time. 

Let them make the necessary steps to be a part of your life.  

Let them earn your forgiveness.  

Let them call you to talk about ordinary things.  

Let them take you out on a Thursday.  

Let them talk about anything and everything just because it's you they are talking to.  

Let them have a safe place in you.  

Let them see the heart in you that didn't harden. 

Let them love you.

Realizing you can't control others

One of the key takeaways from Phillips' poem is the importance of recognizing that we cannot control others. It's a tough pill to swallow but an essential one. We devote so much energy trying to mold others to fit our expectations, but all it does is breed frustration and resentment. By acknowledging that everyone has their own journey and decisions to make, we allow ourselves to live more peacefully.

Being available to let others in

Another critical lesson from "Just Let Them" is the significance of being open and available to those around us. Sometimes, the most supportive thing we can do is to offer a listening ear or a comforting presence, without making judgments or trying to solve their problems for them. By being there in a non-intrusive way, we create a safe space for others to express themselves freely and authentically.

Why you must surrender

Lastly, the poem teaches us the importance of surrender. Surrender doesn't mean giving up; rather, it's about trusting the process and having faith that things will work out. It’s about relinquishing the need to control every outcome. This act of surrender allows us to focus more on our growth and happiness.

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Surrendering and letting go isn't about indifference or apathy. It's about understanding that true peace comes from accepting that we can't control everything. By embracing this mindset, we not only improve our mental well-being but also foster healthier and more genuine relationships with those around us. Let’s take a step back, breathe, and just let things be.