Now take what you want and leave the rest. This isn’t about singing hymns or actively repeating the rosary daily (though if that works for you, right on!). It’s about trusting in the flow of life—those constant ups and downs, the doubts, the challenges, the opportunities and new beginnings, the beauty of a storm and the fear of some shadows. We get so caught up in our own power that we forget to trust something far greater than us.
You can call it what you want: God, Allah, the Universe, Mother Nature, your inner guide, you can even call it Ted if that makes you more comfortable. But, remembering that you’re not alone in this crazy thing we call life is what can ultimately make you more strong and confident than ever before—because you’re not taking in every worry and problem only to let it sit and fester and build up into toxic fears, relationships, and behaviors.
You can let it go. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
Every hesitation you have, moments you doubt, problems you fear, you can let them evaporate into nothing. That doesn’t mean do nothing! If you’re worried because you’re driving and about to run out of gas, you can’t just pray for the worry to leave, you obviously have to fill up the gas tank. But, it does mean that when you question life and what it throws your way, you can trust that you have something bigger than you to lean on.
Now, if trusting something ‘imaginary’ doesn’t sit quite well with you, try thinking of a person that supports you unconditionally—your mom, best friend, grandfather. No matter what—no matter what affiliation you are and what your beliefs may be—you have someone, something, that (or who) is always by your side.
When you feel stuck in a rut or caught in a bind, think of that thing, that person, or that entity and offer your fears to them. When we don’t feel alone in life, we ultimately have more room for growth and expansiveness. Because we’re sharing some of our own issues with others whether it be a person or spirit, we free up room inside ourselves to get creative, to make life-changing decisions, to play and to explore. We allow ourselves to become more of who we authentically are because we’re no longer exasperating ourselves on things we can’t change or problems we can’t conquer without some advice or perspective.
When we pray, when we have a conversation with something, anything, anyone, we allow ourselves to be free for a moment and to feel a relief.
This isn’t about religion. This is about self-care in the most selfless form. You can’t just rely on yourself, that’s exhausting and unnecessary; it’s an inefficient use of your time. When you allow something or someone else in on your thoughts, you can move past them.
Whether or not you believe in this, consider trying it out. It may seem silly at first, and you don’t have to have a huge soliloquy, you can simply mutter the words aloud: “I trust life,” “Help me with this,” or “What would you have me do?” As stated in the beginning, take what resonates with you and leave the rest. If this all seems a little too New Age for you, the next time you feel alone and feel weird reaching out to “the Universe,” reach out to a friend, a relative, even a pet! Speaking worries aloud allow them to dissipate, and it allows you to feel a little more solid in life.
Maybe it’s not the physical act of believing but the physical act in trusting. When you feel despair or discouraged, what do you have to lose by doing something that feels a little wacky? Nothing; you have absolutely nothing to lose. You don’t have to kneel or buy a bible if that doesn’t work for you! Next time you have something on your mind and you’re in the shower, taking out the garbage, or tossing and turning in bed, say or think a little prayer. Who knows, it may be just the thing you needed to breakdown some walls, move forward in your day, and to begin trusting in the flow of life.
Jordan Nicholson graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where she studied innovative coaching methods, over 100 dietary theories, and practical lifestyle management techniques. She also is a certified yoga instructor (200 hr RYT) and has a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from University of Iowa.