14 Comments

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." John Lennon or Allen Saunders

The art of surrender is one of the most challenging The School of Life metes out.

Bravo, Chris, on moving forward, and generously passing on your hard won knowledge to others. Their journey may not be the same as your path, but Life Lessons are oft repeated along the way.

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Thank you! 😀

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Thank you for all the helpful tools in this (from someone who has often had a problematic relationship with control). Since I can't control my body (for the most part), I try to control everything else outside of myself and do whatever I can to avoid negative outcomes. Which is, needless to say, exhausting and doesn't work! Always appreciate the book recommendations too.

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Thanks Jackie! I feel the exact same way re: control

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I’ve finally been learning to let go of things I can’t control, and let me tell you, it’s a HUGE anxiety buster!! I always wondered why certain people seem so calm, and that must be one reason why.

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That's a big part of it!

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I think this can be so helpful for a lot of people Chris. It reminds me of the concept of "worry time" where if you find yourself worrying about something you ask, is it a practical worry I can do something about, or a hypothetical one where I can't. One you can action (later, at the appropriate time), the other you can't. That simple mindset shift has worked wonders for me personally.

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Oh interesting, I love that.

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Brilliant piece, Chris! Equal parts inspiration and education. Accepting that there are things in life I can’t control and choosing instead to focus on things I can is a lesson I also learnt the hard way after my dads diagnosis and passing from a terminal illness. As always you’ve paired your personal story with insightful teachings in a way that is deeply relatable, practical and profoundly encouraging 🙏🏼✨

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Thanks Ruhie! 🙏

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As always, I'm so inspired by the values you've chosen to live your life by. Sharing these resources and your story is a gift. Thank you.

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Thanks Erin!

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Your insights were incredibly clear and practical. While my challenges aren’t as intense as yours, I’ve had systemic lupus for years and as I age, I can no longer push through many of the symptoms. Learning to surrender to my limitations has been a challenge.

I plan to read this article several times and make my own list of what I control and can’t control. I’ve already been trying to let go, but seeing it on paper will help me to make more concrete changes. Thank you for sharing.

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Thank you so much Patty! I really appreciate your comment. Sorry to hear about what you've been through. I am always here for support.

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