Control is An Illusion: We Don’t Have Much Of It

This has been one of my greatest life lessons so far. One that I didn’t even think I needed to learn, because I thought I already understood it. Control is an illusion, we don’t have much of it. I’ve had to face head on, the reality that all of my fear, anxiety, and worry is rooted in a lack of control. I’m afraid of certain things that are inevitable in this life, and I worry about outcomes that I have no control over. And I know I’m not alone with these feelings. Every day it seems as if our world has become increasingly more anxious, and everyone is even more consumed with worry and fear.

Worry is not an action. When all we do is worry, we’re not really doing anything at all. So what can we actually control in this life? Not much. I believe that we can control our attitude, our mindset, and our efforts toward our wellness (mind, body, and spirit). Yes, that’s it. This isn’t a long list, but it really is the truth of what lies within our control. The good news is that if and when we choose to fully focus on what we actually can control, our lives become better, fuller, richer.

I’ve found the beauty and peace that comes with letting go and leaning in. When will our last day on Earth be? None of us know. We can dream the wildest of dreams and pursue what we think is our purpose, and wind up changing paths completely. We may think we know what the next step for us is, but something unexpected propels us in a new direction. I’ve learned that all of this is okay, and par for the course for a life well lived.

Surrender to everything you thought you knew, and embrace the unknown. That’s where the magic of life is. We overcomplicate so much, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

So love big, with your entire heart and soul.

Don’t be afraid of the unknown.

Find your purpose.

Pursue your dreams.

Do more of what makes you happy.

Seek your higher calling, self, and alignment.

And finally, recognize the truth of what lies within your control—and what doesn’t.