Journaling on letting things be

I used to be someone who tried to push myself (and sometimes others!) on every front. When I looked at my priorities everything was important, and everything needed to meet a certain standard.

That’s exhausting. I had to learn the hard way, over and over, that when things don’t go as planned I need to adjust or drop the plan. And I don’t have the capacity to go full throttle on everything.

This week as the west coast wildfire smoke socked in and stuck around in my area, I was initially frustrated and worried about it, yes. But then I saw it as a way to practice letting something be. When I looked at it as temporary I was able to get on with things with less stress.

That’s NOT to say I’m okay with it, because I’m more determined now than ever to take action on forests, wildlife and climate. We all have a responsibility to care for the environment. The wildfires are a reminder of that.

It’s just that spending a week simmering in anger would have taken a lot of energy. And all that private thought effort would have dissipated with the smoke. By observing it as is I can better direct my energy to public actions that will have a bigger impact.

This week let’s journal together on this question: what can you let be as it is?

For me this is an ongoing practice, and when I do it I’m both calmer and stronger.

Wishing you blue skies,

Suzanne

Journaling with @suzannealyssaauthor is a weekly series on Instagram.