How to be happy: "Letting go"

The top image is a "Miyako-wasure" (Gymnaster savatieri).
Its flower language is "parting."

It is a gentle purple flower
that blooms from spring to early summer.

When we talk about parting,
it has a slightly lonely image.

Losing something.
Moving away.
Ending something.

We tend to perceive these in a negative light, but
today,
I want to talk about how those things are also important for becoming happy.

There are things that only become visible
after you let something go.

It was just as I was thinking about such things.

I stepped on a Lego again today.

It hurts.

It really hurts.

After the kids went to sleep,
as I was walking through the living room,
a sharp pain shot through the sole of my foot.

The suspect is sleeping soundly, looking very peaceful.

Our house is full of children's toys.
Legos, Tomica cars, stuffed animals, craft projects.

When you read books on decluttering,
they say it's better to have fewer things.

That may indeed be true.

But when it comes to children's toys,
I just can't seem to let them go.

When I see them playing happily,
I think, "Well, I guess it's fine."

While thinking about that,
I realized that letting go isn't just about decluttering.

Actually, what I've been interested in lately
is trying to let go of the things I rely on.

I'd be in trouble without this.
I can't manage without this person.
I don't want to live any other way.

I think everyone has things like that.

But once you step away from them,
you make surprising discoveries.

Things you thought were absolutely necessary
turn out to be surprisingly okay to live without.

Conversely,
you might realize that something you thought you didn't need
was actually a great source of support.

Only after you let go
do you understand what was supporting you.

Such discoveries
make your heart a little lighter.

Because anxiety decreases,
and gratitude increases.

Happiness is
not just something you get by adding more things,
but realizing the value of what you already have.

That is why I believe letting go
has the power to lead to happiness.

That said,
I haven't done anything particularly special.

I just
had more opportunities to think, "Do I really need this?"
and if I wasn't sure, I tried letting it go for a little while.
Then,

I found some things I was fine without, and others
that I would be in trouble without.
You never know until you try.

Next time,

I think I will try to let go of the anger
I feel when I step on a Lego.
No,

that might still be impossible.
The flower language of the Miyako-wasure is "parting."

Parting is not just sad; it is also
a time to get to know yourself.
To become happy,

why not try letting something go?

Books that influenced me in writing this article

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

It is a story about a shepherd boy who goes on a journey to find treasure, but what he truly finds is not just gold and silver. During his journey, the boy repeatedly lets go of his familiar environment and safe places. Each time, while experiencing anxiety and confusion, he realizes his own strength and what is truly important.

We also feel anxious when we let something go. However, beyond that, there are sometimes landscapes that we couldn't see before.

"Letting go is not losing, but meeting a new self."

It was a book that made me feel that way.

I highly recommend it.

I have also compiled other "ways to be happy" flowers
at the link below.
Please take as much as you need 🍀

Thank you for reading until the end.
I hope to see you in another article.
🍀 May you be happy 🍀