Let go

In Hollywood movies, heroes at the climax close their eyes or fall off a cliff to say something along the lines of “let go.” This is often the moment when the character discovers her true potential and becomes a superhero. “Let go” is such a cliché, but this kind of character development works for me. Even when there isn’t enough explanation for why the character suddenly experiences a caterpillar-to-butterfly moment, I simply accept the transition because I understand that growth means letting go of one’s expectations, fear, and ego. Humans suffer. Even those born with an inhumane amount of material wealth struggle for more attention, fame, and stimulation. I suffer when I can’t “let go” and embrace silence and boredom. I suffer when I can’t “let go” of all my wishes for the future. I suffer when I can’t “let go” of past mistakes. A few months ago, I had to say goodbye to a nun I had met at a hospice facility. I had volunteered at the hospice for two years, and the nun had been the…