When Letting Go Pays Off
This morning I volunteered to transport a dog named Violet who was surrendered by her owner. Owner-surrenders are common in rescue. It can be very upsetting for someone who can no longer afford to care for their dog or is unable to physically care for them. I never know the reason but I imagine it was an act of courage to surrender Violet to the care of a no-kill rescue.
Photo: Violet, in all her glory
This got me thinking about surrender in our own lives, especially with money. Life often doesn't go as planned. I used to grip our finances with all of my might, working long hours and counting every penny thinking control would bring peace. But when spending inevitably went off track I'd feel like a failure.
I wish I would have learned sooner that surrender is not passive or weak - It is courageous action. Surrender means letting go of the behaviors we practice with our money that don't serve us, expecting good things to happen and releasing any attachments to the outcome.
Here's what surrender looks like with money:
- Accept your situation: Let go of the perfect budget and trust that progress comes with consistency. Here is a real-life example where I was able to detach from the outcome of an unexpected $7500 expense and it all worked out better than imagined.
- Let go of comparison: Focus on your own journey, not someone else’s highlight reel.
- Release fears around debt: Make a plan, but stop letting shame and anxiety rule your life.
- Trust the process: Apply for jobs, invest, or make changes—then let go of the outcome and trust timing.
In an unexpected turn of events, Violet escaped my car, running feverishly around a neighborhood close to the highway. I surrendered to the moment, trusted things would work out, and kept searching. Just as I was about to give up the hunt, I found her. Things seem to fall into place when I surrender - I know the same can be true for you too.
If you could use some support, I'm always here.
