I came across this quote a week ago and I can't get it out of my mind.  It really speaks to me where I am in my life and ironically it's a lesson I just can't seem to establish in my life.  My first lesson in this principal was a very practical one.  I was about 8 or 9 when I had a wonderful Norwegian Elkhound named Lady.  Lady was an "outside dog," and we lived in the country, so she was very strong and had the run of the countryside.

I used to see other people who walked their dog on a leash.  I wanted to walk MY dog on a leash.

If you don't know me, I'm a bit stubborn.  Once I get an idea in my head, I just gotta make it happen.  I looked around the garage, where you could find anything, and sure enough found an old dog leash.  I called Lady over and clipped it on her collar.  Lady played along because she loved spending time with me.  That afternoon, I walked her all over the place and we were just having a great time together....until she spots a rabbit and takes chase.  I planted my little 65 lb. frame in the ground and refused to let go of the leash...and off into the air I went!

Lady pulled me off my feet, into the air and my father sees me flapping around in the air like a flag and begins to scream LET GO!  LETTTTTT GOOOOOOOO!  She was going to be my dog and I was GOING TO WALK HER!  It took being dragged over a large pile of firewood for me to finally LET GO.  Needless to say, I had some dragmarks.  Ouch.

You would think after such a practical example I would've learned way  back then what happens when you don't "let go."  I'm a hardhead.  After coming across this quote, I immediately thought of this very practical lesson I had as a child.  I'm going to make an honest effort to put this to action in my life.  It's going to take some practice indeed.

You see....I am a control freak and am just now beginning to understand how this bleeds into all areas of my life.  Becoming healthy is complicated.  If anyone or anything other than YOU controls your mood, your attitude, your overall happiness and well being, you aren't healthy.   I'm at the place in my life now where my children are all on their own and learning who THEY are through THEIR decisions and experiences.  It's time for mama to LET GO and work on happiness and peace for just me.  *deep breath*

That concept is both frightening and liberating for me.

You may be going through something similar with a spouse, a parent or a friend.  If our happiness is controlled by another person's behavior, we will never obtain optimal health or genuine happiness.  I think this mama is gonna let go and watch my little ones blossom into whatever it is they are.  It will be beautiful...I just know it.