Comments on: How to Surrender (Without Giving Up)

By: kathreen

kathreen — Thu, 28 May 2009 03:04:43 +0000

amen, sista!

By: Mindful Mimi

Mindful Mimi — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:34:42 +0000

Oh this is so true. I have been in many situations like this before and it drove me nuts. Needless to say I was kind of a control freak. That changed when I met my husband and especially after having kids (do I need to say more?).
Now I can look at the situation from the outside, I can see whether there is a chance I can change it or not. And if not, well then, I just surrender to it (being stuck in traffic or behind a slow driver, having your kids get their clothes dirty and torn etc).
And it feels SOOOOOO good to be able to do that. It does not work all the time but the more you do it the better you get at it.
Thanks for this.
Mimi

By: Kelli King

Kelli King — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:52:25 +0000

Another voice in the wilderness offering her thanks for this post…and thanks to your wonderful readers for sharing their thoughtful comments.

By: Sue

Sue — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:30:18 +0000

t6: Love the comparison to the sea!!! thanks for that.

Kel: Thx so much for this. And thanks for being my “research mentor” through that process. You helped me greatly. That was a tough one!!

Thanks Michelle!

By: Sister of another mother

Sister of another mother — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:24:12 +0000

Suze,
As always, you take my breath away. I can so see you laughing in that plane. I wish I had been there to laugh with you.

Another recent example for me is your act of surrendering the research project. Not an easy decision, but without a doubt, the right one. It has afforded you the opportunity to be creative in the important areas of your life. Much more life sustaining.

Watching you trust the process is inspiring and encourages me to surrender that which I have no control.

Love, Kel

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:03:51 +0000

Awhile back I learned the difference between responding to a situation and reacting. Choosing to surrender is empowering and can be a very powerful way to respond to a situation that might otherwise have me reacting in a way that leaves me feeling drained and emotionally spent from trying to control what I cannot. Choosing (emphasis on choice!) to surrender to what is takes learning, and practicing but each time I do it successfully I feel great!

Thank you for this amazing post.

By: T6

T6 — Thu, 21 May 2009 01:14:46 +0000

Excellent post, surrendering to the currents when you absolutely know it is impossible to get anywhere when swimming against it.

I am unclear as to where you are but those of us who grew up near the ocean well understand the concept of undertow. Undertow is an inverse current created by the constant roll of waves to shore. The result is a current which will either

1. Pull you in and under- if you fight it.

2. Drag you out beyond the break line (out to sea) but eventually will push you into shore – only a mile or so down.

Fighting that which you cannot change will only drag you in and under. Letting go will often get you close enough to get back on track.

By: elaine g

elaine g — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:54:52 +0000

When I first started reading this blog I was determined to only keep the good ones, guess what, they are all good ones, this is one more.

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:01:45 +0000

Thanks everyone for these amazing comments!! Love to read them. Totally makes my day. Christine, thanks for the opportunity!

By: Elaine

Elaine — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:33:42 +0000

Great post Sue! …and I remember you telling me about THAT zipper-shin

Surrender is very peaceful and graceful. Thanks for reminding me.