March 23 – Letting Go of Control
Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. Thich Nhat Hanh
Gregg’s Reflection
We Enneagram 8’s love control. For much of my life, I believed that if I just worked harder, planned better, and stayed vigilant, I could keep things from going wrong. Control felt like a form of security. But control, I’ve learned, is often an illusion — and holding on too tightly leaves me weary and anxious.
When life inevitably slips beyond my grasp, I’m faced with a choice: fight harder to manage the unmanageable or release my grip and trust the One who holds all things together. Surrender is not passivity. It is an act of faith — acknowledging that God’s wisdom and care far exceed my own understanding.
I’ve discovered that peace comes not from having life perfectly ordered, but from knowing I’m not the one who has to order it all. When I step back, breathe deeply, and place my trust in God, I often find that what emerges is better than anything I could have orchestrated.
Scripture
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5–6
Ancient Quotes
Entrust your heart to God, and you will find freedom even in the loss of control.
St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, Homily 18
Modern Quotes
Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness.
Thich Nhat Hanh, The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching, p. 88
The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go.
Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
Journaling Prompts
- Where in your life do you feel the greatest need to control?
- How has holding tightly served you? How has it hurt you?
- What might it look like to release that area into God’s hands?
- How could letting go open space for unexpected grace?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 12 Reflection: Equanimity