“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived,
and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”
~ Buddha
Sometimes one liners can lead to a conversation:
“Sometimes the letting go is the difficult part.”
“When we let go of what isn’t meant for us, we have two hands and a whole heart open to grab other opportunities as they float into view. Opportunities we might otherwise miss.”
Thank you, Nancy for the wise words of advice,
We have a saying that goes something like this – Your pocket must be empty so that the Goddess of wealth can find space to leave wealth for you.
Well, I am in the process of emptying my pockets, maybe I need to stitch up the holes in order for the new wealth – read opportunities – to come my way.
I’ve known a lot of people who refuse to let go of things, who nurse grievances for decades. Such a waste of time and energy, and as Nancy says, it stops you grasping new opportunities.
I totally agree, better to walk away and get on with life, than sitting sticking pins in the voodoo doll of grievance.
Yes, those are wise words of advice.
I particularly like the last one:
“When we let go of what isn’t meant for us, we have two hands and a whole heart open to grab other opportunities as they float into view. Opportunities we might otherwise miss.”
I’m glad that this lingered with you and prompted you to share. I “borrowed” the Buddha quote from Judith ~ who lives in Australia, but was visiting Florence. So it’s making its way around the globe.
If anyone is interested in the comment thread on the post:
http://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2013/10/26/a-little-buddha-told-me/
Oops . . . not Australia, New Zealand.
I love the way we can post something at our own kitchen table, before it takes flight round the globe like a migrating bird, to visit others all along the way.
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“…only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived,
and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”
I couldn’t be better at loving. 🙂 But at living gently & letting go I’m not good. 🙁
BHB, I think we all struggle with those at times.
Sometimes letting go seems impossible, but what choice do you have? Budda was a wise guy. Dianne
Dianne, that is why we should live with hope, but take one day at a time!
There is, indeed, always a time to let go. I think the happier way is to do it by choice rather than force of circumstances.
I agree, Col.
I am so borrowing the Buddha saying! I often wonder if all the sayings attributed to different well known people were really said by them, or was it some lowly minion filling in for the great one…
Brighid, Maybe sitting around contemplating their navels gave them the opportunity to think of them! 😉