Happy #63: Stop hanging on so long.

A friend of mine says good things come out of conflict. Conflict is hard on me--emotionally and physically. So this statement was difficult for me to understand.

But as I've thought about his statement over time, I've come to see how true it is.

He's a historian, so naturally there is far more information in his brain (about the results of conflict, or probably about anything for that matter, lol...) than exists in my brain. Which is why I couldn't see (especially with how difficult conflict is for me) how the statement regarding conflict could possibly be true. Because the eye cannot see what the mind does not know. Right?

But experiences I'm having recently are helping me see.

The Mussuei de Louvre in Paris has an extensive history, including several accounts of conflict. A story that interested me when I visited the Louvre was this one: the French didn't want the glass pyramid. They hated it.

And yet, surrender (clearly not their initial position of choice) brought something forward that is really very remarkable.

I was intriqued by the imaginative use of space below grade (for the museum) and the brilliant way I.M.Pei (the commissioned architect) brought light, transparency, and visual connection to that space with his design.

But the French resisted the concept. Entirely. They felt, as I understand it, a pyramid (and modern structure) didn't belong in the space or fit their history and how they see themselves. Also, from what I understand, there was a fair amount of distress involved. Why? Because hanging on in resistance creates stress. They were communicating what they wanted and needed, without effect. No wonder they were frustrated.

The glass pyramid was going to happen anyway, whether they liked it or not. I'm not saying this was right or wrong, good or bad. It's just what happened.

I'm not sure how to make my point here, except to say that sometimes it's good--after speaking up and speaking up and speaking up--to just let go and let something be what it's going to be.

Sometimes we hang on to something (or someone), trying to get what we need, for far too long. When in fact, letting go releases resistance, which can bring the right things about. Whatever that may mean or be.

This is not to say you should stop trying to get what you need. You always need to speak up for what you need. And want. Always.

I'm just saying stop hanging on so long to situations (and/or people) when you can't get what you need. Learn to let go. Maybe even walk away. Because sometimes getting what you need means getting it somewhere other than where you were looking.

This is me, hanging on, trying to get a picture with this sculpture without falling into The River Seine directly below.


Ridiculous.

Let go people.

It just might give you enough relief for happiness to find you again. And you might be surprised where the new direction letting go takes you. :)