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.