Strength often gets framed as holding on—gripping tightly to our goals, our plans, or the way we think things should be. But what if true strength is about knowing when to let go?
Over the years, life has taught me that there’s power in surrender. It’s not about giving up; it’s about releasing what no longer serves you, making space for growth, healing, and new possibilities.
When I think of surrender, I think of my recovery journey. Nine weeks into healing from my first hip replacement and just days out from my second, I’ve had to face the reality that I can’t control everything. No matter how much I want to push myself, healing takes time. My body has its own schedule, and learning to honor that has been one of the hardest—and most rewarding—lessons of my life.
Letting go of the need to rush, to always “do more,” has given me the freedom to truly heal. Some days, surrender looks like resting when I want to be moving. Other days, it’s asking for help when I’d rather tough it out alone.
In “Timeless Wisdom”, one elder reflected, “Strength isn’t just about what you hold onto—it’s about what you’re willing to let go of.” That wisdom has stayed with me, especially during moments when letting go felt like weakness. In truth, it’s often the bravest thing we can do.
Letting go doesn’t just apply to recovery; it’s a principle I’ve seen play out time and again on the mats. In martial arts—especially in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu—you learn that fighting too hard against a stronger opponent can leave you vulnerable. The mats have shown me that sometimes, the best move is to release tension, adapt, and find a better position.
This is a lesson I carry off the mats as well. Life teaches us that resistance often creates more stress, while letting go opens the door to clarity and strength. As “Lessons on Legacy” points out, “True strength lies in your ability to adapt.” Grandpa John embodied that wisdom, too. Whether it was shifting gears from his military career to a quiet life of exploration and curiosity, or letting go of rigid plans to pursue a spontaneous road trip at 95, he knew the value of surrender.
So, how do we cultivate the strength to let go?
It starts with reflection. Ask yourself:
- What are you holding onto that’s no longer serving you?
- Where in your life could surrender create space for something better?
Maybe it’s letting go of perfectionism, releasing a grudge, or accepting help when you need it. Whatever it is, remember that letting go isn’t weakness—it’s a path to freedom.
As I continue my recovery and prepare to return to the mats in January 2025, I’m embracing this lesson in new ways. Surrender doesn’t mean stepping back; it means stepping forward with clarity and purpose.
Let me leave you with this: Strength isn’t about holding on for dear life. It’s about knowing when to release, when to trust, and when to allow life to unfold. In surrender, there is power. And in that power, there is peace.
