Let go.

A little... something.

Hello (again, if you’re returning!) 👋🏾 I’m Ingrid and I publish Permission. I share words about my world as a grieving woman, in middle age, as a mother of boys, as an Australian living in The Netherlands, and all the nuance (and mess) that goes along with these. To know more you are welcome to check out my About page, and to read more you are welcome to check out Permission.

I’m not sure exactly what this is. Not quite a poem, not an essay, not a meditation. Something somewhere in amongst all of those, I think. Or perhaps something else.

It came flowing out of my pen in an unedited stream of consciousness after listening to a beautiful meditation shared by

Beth Kempton

in season one episode two of The Fearless Writer Podcast (Apple Podcasts / Spotify). As with most things Beth shares, the meditation was lovely, comforting and emotive. But what was unusual for me was what followed. What I wrote, and what you’ll read below, felt like it came from someone else. For clarity, these words definitely came from me and are not copied or taken from someone else. But the phrasing, the language, the cadence, even the way my writing looks on the page - somewhat mine and also, somehow not.

As I was writing it, I felt that it was meant for me. As in, directing me to take these words in. Really feel them. Sit with them. Be freed by them.

As I say, all quite unusual. Both the content and the feelings around it. But I keep hearing we’re in unprecedented times so perhaps I’m right on brand.

I’m sharing this today because I need it. And perhaps you need it too?

Let go.

Let go. Let go of people and feelings and resentments. Let go of the disappointments and unfulfilled expectations.

Have no more expectations, except of yourself. And even those, hold lightly.

Expect love and kindness to flow to you and from you. Love from yourself, to yourself. Love from yourself, to others.

See the best in all things. The best in people who are all just doing their best. Don’t measure or judge or compare. Just love and be thankful.

Move through each day as though you are a miracle. As though your life is a miracle. As though the beautiful man you married and the magnificent children you made are miracles. Wonder at it all.

Let it go. Let all the rest go.

Rest when you are tired. It’s ok to take what you need. There is no one standing over you, telling you no.

There is no one telling you no.

I know it’s hard for you not to worry about all the things that can or may go wrong. But they will go wrong whether you worry or not, so why give up your joy now? Your worrying will not prevent it happening. Your worrying will not make it easier to get through.

So, stop. Let go.

What will come, will come.

Let go.

The Cliffs of Moher. Photo by Ingrid Fernandez