The Art of Surrender: Finding Freedom in Letting Go
Mar 05, 2025
Have you ever felt like you’re constantly swimming against the current? No matter how hard you try, life seems to throw obstacles in your path, leaving you exhausted and frustrated. (Let's face it, we've all been there. My last corporate role felt a bit like that - I didn't get the full training planned, there was a lot of software to learn, each of which had its own idiosyncrasies, everyone had their own way of doing things, my 'essential' online training was doubled up in error, lots of IT issues, etc.) If this sounds familiar, it might be time to embrace acceptance and surrender.
Now, before you think this means giving up, let’s be clear — acceptance and surrender are not about quitting (even if people do get them muddled up). They’re about releasing the struggle, and finding peace with what is, so you can move forward with clarity and ease.
What is Acceptance?
Acceptance means acknowledging reality as it is, without trying to fight it, or change it. It’s saying, “This is what’s happening right now, and I choose to face it and accept it.” That doesn’t mean you have to like or agree with everything, but resisting reality only creates stress and suffering. (Have you ever spent time and energy railing against what is, even if you can't change it?) When you accept a situation, you stop wasting energy on what you can’t control, and instead focus on what you can do.
For example, let’s say you’re stuck in traffic and running late. Getting angry won’t change the situation. But accepting it allows you to take a deep breath, listen to some music, podcast, or audiobook - or maybe even use the extra time to reflect - on where you are in life, and where you want to be.
This happens a lot when travelling with my friend. He spent all his time trying to fight the traffic, and by the time he got there, he was exhausted. I (now) take a calmer approach, and arrive feeling fine. I made the decision to use my energy on other things (such as listening to inspiring or educational podcasts), rather than get annoyed at traffic. I'm sure we're not alone in this, and that a lot of people can relate.
What is Surrender?
Surrender takes acceptance a step further. It’s about trusting that life is unfolding as it should, even if you don’t understand it in the moment. It’s releasing the need to control everything, and allowing things to flow naturally.
Think of it like being in a river. If you struggle against the current, you’ll only exhaust yourself. But if you surrender and let the water carry you, you’ll move with more ease. Surrender isn’t about being passive — it’s about choosing to let go of unnecessary resistance and trusting the journey. As you can imagine, this can be easier said than done.
A great example of this is near the end of my corporate life. I was changing, getting more into yoga, and other healing modalities, and I found the office environment no longer suited me, or appealed to me. I struggled with this for years, as I had spent most of my life in the corporate space and identified with it — however it became obvious that it was no longer a good fit, and I wanted to work more in the healing space. If I had accepted and surrendered to this earlier, it might have been an easier transition! 😉
Why is This So Hard?
Most of us have been taught that we need to push, strive, and control in order to succeed. But the truth is, trying to control everything often leads to frustration and burnout.
The fear of the unknown also plays a big role. We cling to what’s familiar because we think it keeps us safe (as I did, with my corporate life). But sometimes, life’s greatest gifts come when we let go, and allow things to unfold naturally.
How to Practice Acceptance and Surrender
If you’re ready to bring more peace into your life, you can try some of the simple ways to start mentioned below.
- Notice Your Resistance – Pay attention to when you’re fighting against reality. Are you stressing over something outside your control?
- Breathe and Pause – When you feel resistance, take a deep breath. Pause for a moment, and remind yourself that fighting won’t change the situation. (It’s a waste of energy, really.)
- Shift Your Perspective – Ask yourself, “Is there something I can learn from this?” or “How can I make the best of this moment?”
- Let Go of Control – Remind yourself that you don’t need to have all the answers. Trust that things are working out, even if you can’t see the full picture yet.
- Practice Gratitude – Focusing on what’s good in your life makes it easier to accept what is, and surrender to the flow.
Final Thoughts
Acceptance and surrender don’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. It’s a practice — one that can bring more peace, clarity, and even joy into your life. When you stop fighting the current and start flowing with it, you’ll be amazed at how much lighter and freer you feel. (And it will free up so much energy that was wasted railing at the Gods (or whoever) when you can’t do anything about it. Wouldn’t it be better to use that energy on something more useful? Something that is in your control, and could potentially help you take a step forward toward your Best Life?)
So, the next time life feels tough, take a deep breath, accept what is, and surrender to the flow. You just might find that things work out even better than you expected.
To see more on cultivating a more positive mindset, see our Positive Mindset Mastery to Live Your Best Life, which is filled with tools to help you improve your mindset. After all, a positive mindset goes a long way toward living your Best Life!
And if you find yourself railing a lot (to Gods or not! 😆), have you considered whether you know your personal values, and whether you are using them to help you move towards living your Best Life? Our free course, The Values Code: Unlocking Your Best Self, can definitely help you with this.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does acceptance mean I have to be okay with everything that happens?
No, acceptance doesn’t mean you have to like or agree with everything. It simply means you acknowledge what is happening, instead of resisting it. This helps you move forward without unnecessary stress. - If I surrender, won’t I lose control of my life?
Surrender doesn’t mean giving up control — it means letting go of the illusion that you can control everything. It allows you to focus on what you can change, while trusting the bigger picture. - How do I know when to accept something, and when to take action?
Acceptance and action go hand in hand. First, accept what is happening. Then, ask yourself, “What is within my control?” If there’s something you can change, take action. If not, surrender, and trust the process. - Can acceptance and surrender help with anxiety?
Yes! Often, anxiety comes from trying to control things that are out of our hands. Learning to accept and surrender can bring a sense of peace, helping you feel more grounded, and less overwhelmed. - How can I start practicing surrender in daily life?
Start small. When something minor doesn’t go as planned, take a deep breath and remind yourself to let go. Over time, this habit will make it easier to surrender in bigger situations too. - What if I struggle with letting go?
It’s completely normal! Letting go takes practice. Be kind to yourself, and take it one step at a time. Journaling, meditation, and talking with supportive people can also help.
Remember, acceptance and surrender aren’t about giving up — they’re about finding peace and moving forward with ease. You’ve got this!
Disclaimer
The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you are struggling with mental health or emotional challenges, please seek support from a qualified professional. Your journey is unique — take what resonates, and move at your own pace.
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