By Younas Chaudhary

How many times have we debated between letting an issue go or keep fighting until the end? As the years have passed, I have mellowed down and realized that letting go is a far better strategy.

Years ago, my company got into a legal wrangle, and I felt the opposing side was wrong. The legal spat went on for a few years until both sides got tired and felt we could find a solution. The opposing side came to us with a settlement offer at a very nominal cost. My attorney advised me to accept it and let go but I refused. So, the case went to trial and the jury decided in favor of the opposing party and imposed a multi-million-dollar award against us. A case that I could have settled for pennies ended up costing us substantial financial damage. If only I had let go!

I wonder sometimes why letting go, a simple concept seems so difficult for us.  “The concept of letting go extends beyond its simple definition. It is an emotional and mental process that involves releasing the lingering attachments and resentments that affect our psychological state,” writes Karen Edwards at the Mental Health Center.

I have been on both sides of letting go, having fought tooth and nail and also having been very generous.

For example, one of my employees was caught stealing over a million dollars worth of property and selling it. A tip from the transport driver helped police catch him, and the court was considering multiyear prison time due to the severity of his theft. He was a young man and had elderly parents to look after. The only way he could get out from long jail punishment was if I made a request to the court to show lenience. I thought about it and decided to let go. On my request, the court gave him probation and he escaped prison time.

I felt good after letting him go. He was young and remorseful, so I decided to request his freedom. His mother was moved to tears.   

Life is too short. We often refuse to let go even in traffic when minor things end up in road rage. We internalize anger against close family members, friends, and acquaintances without letting go for months, years, and even decades. I personally try to let go of things and issues small and big on a regular basis because life has taught me to keep in mind that the day I die, I have absolutely nothing to take with me when I leave this mortal existence.

In the end, we all will leave this world without anything, including our cell phones. Thus, the more we let go while living, we could live and depart more peacefully. Life is all about letting go and keeping remorse at bay.

As travelers on an endless journey, we are heading to our final destination station watching younger generations join us on the ride and it’s our responsibility to show them love and guidance. Letting go of anger and hostility makes us all humane and helps us heal emotionally. Stay blessed!

Disclaimer

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article are my own and do not represent the opinions of any entity with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated. Further, I make no warranty regarding the accuracy or effectiveness of my recommendations, and readers are advised to consult other advisors as well as their own judgments in making business decisions.