Don't be Eeyore: Love & Let Go

A look at the headlines can be disheartening for many people nowadays.  The headlines seem to capture the worst of our world.  This can erupt in negative feelings and cloud our thoughts at best. 

There is a phrase that keeps running through my mind:  Love & Let Go! But, what does that mean and how can it help us manage the world around us?

Love!

We toss around the term so carelessly.  We say we love people and things.  

I love ice cream.  I love the new Avenger's movie.  You get the picture.  

The Greeks weren't so careless with love.  They had specific terminology for the different types of love.  I think this video does a great job in the way of explanation.  

I am referring to agape love in this article.  We don't have to agree with another's ideology (whatever that might contain) to love the other as a human being.  

Consider this:

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keep no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.  1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Wow!  Can you imagine the change in headlines if we all did that?  However, noticeably absent is the thought that love involves getting revenge on or agreeing with or fixing the other. 

Individuals are accountable for their beliefs and actions. We do not have the power to change others....well except by force.  That's not really love though, is it?

Let Go!

Too many of us walk around life unaware of facts.  We live our lives by feelings and perceptions often based upon another person's experiences or identity with a group. Some experience life as victims and are trapped by bitterness.  

People who are angry, bitter, etc... are controlled by others.  They do not have the "inner locus of control" that is necessary to be happy and fulfilled in life.  They cede any possibility of success to others and circumstance. They aren't in control of their own destiny.  

We can never be free to grow until we learn to love others and let go of any "right" we think we might have to be offended.  This, dear friends, is how we conquer the ugliness around us in the world.  

Don't be an Eeyore!