The bottom line is the difference between surrendering and giving up lies in the mindset and attitude with which we approach the situation. In those cases, acknowledging that it’s time to let go and move on is an act of self-compassion and strength. However, there are also times when we continue to invest time, energy and resources into something that no longer serves us or aligns with who we really know ourselves to be. Sure, there are situations where perseverance and tenacity are essential. The key is knowing whether to keep keeping on or to let go, a delicate, often-difficult balancing act. Giving up may also perpetuate a cycle of negativity, making it difficult to face future challenges with resilience and determination. It can lead to regrets and a sense of unfulfilled potential. Unlike surrender, giving up tends to close doors and limit personal growth. While it’s true that, sometimes, certain goals and projects no longer fit in our lives and it can be a wise decision to release them that’s not so much “giving up” as it is “letting go.” Giving up can manifest in various forms, such as prematurely abandoning goals, ambitions or relationships. Unlike surrender, giving up comes from a sense of fruitlessness, helplessness or exhaustion in the face of adversity. In Dante’s “Inferno,” Dante passes through the gate of hell, which bears an inscription ending with a phrase frequently translated as “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.” That is “giving up”: ending hope or ceasing to make an effort to overcome a challenge. As I stated, surrendering can be courageous, requiring us to confront our fears and insecurities, to ultimately pave the way for personal growth and transformation. Rather, surrendering allows us to be flexible, adaptive and open-minded, giving us the ability to explore new possibilities and grow beyond who we thought we were.Įmotionally, surrender can bring a sense of relief and freedom, removing us from the weight of constant struggle and providing a space for healing and self-reflection. Some mistakenly believe that surrendering means abandoning our goals or dreams. Surrendering is not weakness or defeat instead, I’d go so far as to say it represents courage, wisdom and maturity, forcing us to confront our ego, step back from what we really want and embrace the reality of what actually is. Surrendering means acknowledging that the situation is beyond your control to do anything about it. So let’s start with “surrender,” the act of acceptance and letting go. That, however, is - quite literally - “giving up.” Too many old Westerns have caused many to equate “surrender” with throwing down your guns, walking out with your hands up, and laying prostrate on the ground. I developed a three-step process when I’m in a situation I don’t like:ģ) If not, how do I surrender to it and accept it? Although these might appear to be the same, there are significant differences in their meanings and what each implies in how we handle our lives. One cannot go through life without facing challenges that test our strength, determination, and perseverance, leaving us with two seemingly similar alternatives: surrendering (acceptance) or giving up. That’s a long preamble to what precipitated this column. He was surprised by the use of the word, “surrender.” I think he mistook it for giving up. I’m trying to surrender to it and let it be.” I don’t like it but I’m close to accepting it for what it is. Yick.Ī friend asked me how I was doing with it and I replied, “Pretty well, all things considered. The ability to process grief and loss becomes more and more important as we age. It’s not “big picture” grief about the loss of a family member or friend, more about relationship changes and realizing that certain chapters of my life are over.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |