As summer winds down, I find myself looking forward to the soon-to-be-upon-us brilliant colors of fall. This is when our majestic oaks and maples quietly remind us of the necessity of and the beauty that comes from letting go.
I think it’s fitting that the annual Friends of the Library book sale is always shortly before the start of the fall season. But its success was only made possible because so many of you were willing to let go of your cherished books so others could purchase and turn them into treasures of their own. Thank you to the generosity of those who donated books and purchased books. And a great big thank you to all the Friends of the Library who set up and ran the book sale.
The annual Friends of the Library basket auction was also a success. Thank you to those who donated baskets and items to the auction. Thanks to all of you who helped assemble baskets. And thanks to all of you who placed bids.
Besides books, what are the other things in our lives that no longer serve us – material objects, thoughts, memories, attitudes, behaviors, opinions, habits – that we need to let go? What do we need to release that prevents the people in our lives – or us – from moving forward to become the person they – or we – are meant to be? What am I clinging to with white knuckles though it is time to let go? I suspect most of us can think of a thing or two.
We let go so we can change and move forward with more confidence, enthusiasm, and hope. Erie Benedictine Sister and author Joan Chittister encourages us to “let go of what I am not, to become what I am meant to be.”
Taking your cues from nature, may this be a season where you can gently let go – and patiently await all types of beauty to unfold.
The monastic heart : 50 simple practices for a contemplative and fulfilling life by Joan Chittister
The perfection trap : embracing the power of good enough by Thomas Curran
Decluttering at the speed of life by Dana White