Two Minutes Du Jour

My adult kids, now in their 20s and 30s, gifted me a “Make It Happen” sign for one of my birthdays. They see me as someone who embraces the idea that we have the power to put things in motion, figure things out, make no excuses, take responsibility, and influence outcomes.

However, as empowering as the “Make It Happen” mindset can be, I’ve also come to appreciate the wisdom of “Let It Happen.” This concept might initially seem passive, but it’s quite the opposite.

Letting it happen isn’t about sitting idle – it’s about doing all you can and detaching from the outcome. The Tao Te Ching captures this beautifully: “Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.” It’s about trusting that the universe will care for the rest once you’ve put in the effort. This detachment from the result can reduce stress and cultivate a more peaceful, contented life.

Similarly, Benjamin Hoff’s book “The Tao of Pooh” explores this balance through the concept of “wu wei” (effortless action) in Taoism. Using the beloved Winnie the Pooh characters, Hoff illustrates acting without excessive force or attachment to outcomes. This philosophy encourages us to embrace life’s natural flow and find contentment in the present moment.

Blending “Make It Happen” and “Let It Happen” provides a powerful approach to living. The former fuels our drive, motivation, and goal setting, while the latter reminds us to release our grip on the outcome and trust the process, finding peace in knowing we’ve done our best.

Thoughts and Questions for Reflection:

• How do you balance taking action with letting go of the outcome?
• What areas of your life could benefit from “Make It Happen” and adopting a “Let It Happen” mindset?
• Can you identify moments when pushing too hard might have backfired?

Incorporating these two philosophies creates a balance between action and acceptance. We can navigate life with determination and grace by taking responsibility, putting in the effort, and detaching from the result.

Two Links Du Jour:

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff – A book that uses Winnie the Pooh to explore Taoism’s principles, including “wu wei” (effortless action); check out an animated book summary by Upgraded Mentality

Tao Te Ching—Poetry In Translation provides modern translations of this ancient Chinese classic about the natural way of life.