The Illusion of Control: Finding Peace in Letting Go
Manage episode 508209651 series 3550941
Surrender. The very word can make us uncomfortable. But what if the path to peace runs directly through letting go of what we can't control?
On this episode of Building for Life, we dive into the challenging but transformative practice of surrender. We explore how acknowledging our lack of control—far from being a sign of weakness—actually becomes a doorway to unexpected strength and resilience.
My co-host Allison and I share personal stories of surrender from very different perspectives. I reflect on navigating life after profound loss and physical trauma, while Allison opens up about the challenges of parenting a child with health concerns. Together, we discover that surrender isn't about giving up, but rather about recognizing what truly deserves our energy and attention.
The conversation takes a practical turn as we walk through the powerful "palms up, palms down" exercise—a somatic practice that helps physically release burdens we were never meant to carry. We also explore how small shifts in language (from "I'm not good at that" to "I'm not good at that yet") create measurable changes in how we physically experience stress and limitation.
Perhaps most powerfully, we discuss reframing our definition of success and embracing the unexpected turns life takes. When plans collapse and dreams shift, surrender becomes not just a spiritual nicety but a vital skill for moving forward. As I share from my own journey, finding peace in God's "second life" for me doesn't minimize what was lost, but opens space for what might still be.
Whether you're facing major life transitions or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily pressures, this conversation offers gentle wisdom and practical tools for releasing what weighs you down. Subscribe to Building for Life for more conversations that blend faith, resilience, and practical wisdom for life's challenges.
Chapters
1. Introduction to Surrender (00:00:00)
2. Palms Up, Palms Down Exercise (00:01:39)
3. Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset (00:04:37)
4. Redefining Success in Daily Life (00:06:36)
5. Embracing God's New Plan (00:07:53)
32 episodes