One of the
most liberating tools for peacebuilders is learning to let go. We carry so many
burdens with us, from our childhood throughout our lives. We carry hurts about
wrongs that were done to us. We carry regrets about things we wish we had or hadn't
done. We hide these memories, but the anger and hurt and regret can influence
the way we think and interact without our even knowing it.
Some people let their pride destroy in one moment, a relationship that took a
lifetime to build. Each side is waiting for the other to say that they are sorry.
What we forget to realize is that often right and wrong is a matter of perception.
Both sides may perceive that they were wronged. Sometimes letting it go and saying
"I'm sorry" will break down the walls and allow you talk constructively
about the problem.
We often forget to live while we're living, because we're focusing on something
that we wish to be. Or we're worried about something that lies ahead, and it distracts
us so that we don't seem to be able to accomplish anything or get any closer to
where we want to be.
The key to living a better world lifestyle is to set our sites on where we want
to be, but focus on where we are NOW, and take each step, moment by moment.
The past is past. The future will come when it comes. We are here in the present.
We can learn from the past. Where we can, we can try to mend our relationships
and do what we can to create a better world. But where there is nothing we can
do, we have to let it go. We have to let ourselves live, free of the burdens of
guilt, and regret and anger. We can plan for the future, but we must live in the
present and let go of anxiety and worries about what might be.
