Why Letting Go of Control Leads to More Peace, Clarity, and Flow

If you are anything like me, you like things in order. You like things in your house to all have their little spots they are supposed to be in.  You enjoy organizing (and love office supplies), and you spend the night before carefully cultivating the next day’s tasks and chores. You have everything the way it’s supposed to be.

Until…

Life happens.

We’ve all had those days, right? Where you have one idea of how the day should go, but the universe, it seems, has an entirely different version planned for you.

I recently had a day like this and have a new goal of thinking… instead of trying to force and fight for control, I’m just going to surrender, let go, and go with it…flow like water.   

I find that when I make myself let go, it all seems to still work out. Sure, not in the matter I planned, but works out, (sometimes better) nonetheless.

Why Trying to Control Everything Doesn’t Work

When we fight for control, we shift our energy to a vibe of stress, frustration and even fear. These vibes are not going to get you anything but more stress, frustration and fear.  We are going against the universe, and this takes a toll.  Your energy is spent on these negative vibes which doesn’t allow room for the positive ones.

Trusting the Process and Go with the Flow

Going with the flow means trusting that things will unfold the way they’re meant to. It’s like floating down a river—you can paddle to steer, but fighting the current just wears you out. Trust that life’s currents are taking you where you need to go.

This doesn’t mean sitting back and doing nothing; it’s about acting without obsessing over the outcome. Set your goals, do your best, and then trust the rest will fall into place.

Okay, so that sounds great but let’s get real…sometimes that is easier said than done.  Luckily, you are mindful and conscious of your thoughts, so it is possible!

Being Mindful

Start by being mindful and focusing on the here and now. When you're present, you're not worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Meditation, deep breathing, or simply paying attention to what’s happening right now can help you stay grounded.

Also, by tuning in to the present, you’ll notice opportunities and solutions you might have missed while fixating on what “should” happen.

Practice Gratitude

Another quick way to change your mindset is to practice gratitude. This can be a game-changer. When you focus on what’s going well instead of what’s not, life feels easier and more enjoyable. Gratitude helps you let go of the need to control because you’re content with what you already have.

More Ways to Go with the Flow

1. Breathe it Out: Feeling stressed? Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you can only do so much.

2. Flip the Script: When things go wrong, ask yourself, "What good could come from this?"

3. Be Flexible: Set goals, but stay open to unexpected twists and turns.

4. Embrace Uncertainty: Instead of fearing the unknown, see it as a chance for adventure.

   
   

It’s not always easy to let go and accept when things go in an unexpected way. The key is to work with the universe, not against. You are not trying to control the universe; rather you are doing a dance with it. Moving and flowing like water, adapting to the change and being okay in the process.