“I vow to let go of all worries and anxiety in order to be light and free.” -Thich Nhat Hanh
Only we can choose the way we feel, no one else.
We don’t have to be the victim of our circumstances, the people around us, or the things we can’t control. Some things may hurt us and we’ll have feelings to deal with. But whenever we’re ready, we can choose to move on.
Want to feel happier? Spend some time doing something you enjoy. Want to feel peaceful? Take a break and breathe deeply or meditate. Don’t worry about the things you think you should be dwelling on—you can think about them again when you’re done.
Make the choice to be light and free today. No one else can make that choice but you.
Photo by AlicePopkorn
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
I used to walk around with knots in my chest because I was battling with anxiety. My boyfriend has taught me that letting these little things go makes a great difference. It’s not healthy to walk around worried all the time. And most of the time I was worrying for others, forgetting about myself in the long run. I’ve learned that after a hard, stressful work day I no longer feel the need to take that stress home with me. I breathe it all out before I walk in the door and end the day with someone I love, doing things I take joy in. If I still feel that stress lingering, I write it down to release it. For a long time I sent myself to sleep (what little sleep I had) with worry, that knot in my chest and anxiety pounding inside me. No more. It truly is a great sense of freedom when you learn to let it go.
Hi Jessica~
I know that feeling all too well. Many nights I’ve gone to sleep with anxiety and then awoke to the same sense of dread and panic. You bring up such powerful suggestions, about doing things you enjoy, breathing deeply, and appreciating people you love. I find when I focus on things outside myself, it’s a lot easier to let go.
Have a wonderful afternoon~
Lori
This is the story I wrote about what it takes to be happy, in response to the Tiny Buddha Book Challenge. http://roatanvortex.com/2010/08/28/what-does-it-take-to-be-happy/
I’m learning I can be happy even when there seems to be enough reasons to not be.
A wonderful quote and way of thinking. When I feel the worries and anxiety overwhelm me I go out to the woods and try to be fully present when walking. Enjoying every gift Nature offers me on that particular moment while I breathe calmly and deeply. I also like to quilt. Every stitch I concentrate on seem to help, I like what I am sewing and how my quilt will look like. My mind is serene and happy. No worry can reach me on that moment. I let it go.
Thanks for the link, Genny! I enjoyed reading your post inspired by the challenge. Congrats on a successful fundraiser =)
Hi Isabelle~ Quilting sounds like a lot of fun! I used to crochet, back when I lived on the east coast, and I found it quite meditative. Thanks for sharing a little of your world =)
Thank you – I really needed to read this today.
You’re most welcome. =)