Have you ever looked back at certain chapters in your life and thought, “What If?”
Pretty sure, if you’re human, you have. My mother always told me to not look back, what’s done is done and the only thing you can do is move forward. This day is the only day there is. She’s a very smart lady with a deep faith and seems to handle things with grace. She didn’t always, so I guess some wisdom truly does come with age and experience.
Or, it’s that thing of not giving a s*it what anyone thinks. That too, comes with wisdom, age and experience and just letting go of the outcome. Because, as much as we try, there are very few things in life, we can control. Our emotions, the way we react to situations and how we go on from those tough lessons are really the only things we can “control” and even then, it’s difficult.
JUST. LET. GO.
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming….
As a writer and a rather emotional-type person, I always look for metaphors and the meaning behind things. As ridiculous as it sounds, the movie Finding Nemo is peppered throughout with those metaphors. I loved Dory, that flighty little fish that kept telling Nemo’s dad, Marlin to “Just keep swimming.” She had this sweet way about her, giving out pearls of wisdom from the simplest things in the midst of dire situations. Marlin kept trying to control things because of losing his wife and it affected the way he treated his son, Nemo. (See, I really do get into finding the underlying message in things, even in a cartoon movie.)
Anyway, at one point, Marlin and Dory, on their way to find Nemo encounter a whale. Marlin hung on for dear life at the mouth of the great beast. It was so terrifying for him and he just knew that the whale wanted to do them harm. Dora yells at him to Just let go! and they were swallowed up. The meaning being sometimes the most scary situations get you to where you need to be.
Life Will Make You Let Go Whether You Like It or Not
Several years back, I had this fantastic job. It was in marketing and I got to travel, the money was great and I slowly made my way up to becoming a more executive member of the company. But, something wasn’t right and I’d drag myself into work everyday and tell myself everyone felt like this about their job.
I was going through alot of other stuff at the time and it got to the point, I just couldn’t do it anymore. I walked in one day and just quit. Quit. The next few years were spent trying different things and at one point, I had four different jobs, working as a docent at an art gallery and running around like a crazy person training people (this was when I was heavy into physical fitness — like a maniac-type person, you know the kind) at four different places.
The money — no where near what I’d left. I look back on that now and seriously wonder how I made it through. I think I was trying to do so much so that I couldn’t think about anything and not have to work on what I needed to work on the most: Myself.
What’s behind me doesn’t matter….
That realization came another few years later. I remember sitting on my porch outside and it was one of those aha moments — you know where the clutter just clears and you finally, finally know that you’ve got to let go and just get the hell on with things.
A Work In Progress
I can relate to Dory (her naivety, her spunk and her spirit) and to Marlin as well — his need to control and scurry about trying to not let this happen and fretting about if it does, WHAT THEN, WHAT THEN??!! And, I guess, even little Nemo because he was lost for awhile.
What I’ve learned is that if even that worst thing you think happens does indeed happen, you deal with it. You get through the worst part of the storm and eventually the seas calm down and the swimming gets easier.
I think I see a rainbow….
That is, until the next big swells, storms and waves come up to engulf you. You just keep swimming until you’re not fighting the currents, but floating along with a sureness and a wisdom that letting go not only gets you there quicker but allows you to embrace what’s up ahead.
How do you let go? Below is a classic song by The Cranberries that reflects that quite nicely I think (plus it’s a great song to ride in a convertible with the top down). :).
Have a lovely Monday, everyone.
Brigitte's Banter 
a timely post for me Dear Brigitte but can I “listen”… i wouldn’t mind a little memory loss like Dory 🙂 Looking forward to some floating time when it arrives 🙂 thanks again for the visits
Posted by unfetteredbs | June 25, 2012, 11:14 amHey UFBS! I think we all are “there” at times. Memory loss, momentary lapses of reason and all that are good for the soul and gets us to that floating point eventually, don’t ya think? ;). Thank you so much for your visits as well!
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 11:55 amCriminy, Brigitte, this is spectacular. Mind if I reblog you?
Posted by Madame Weebles | June 25, 2012, 12:03 pmOh MW, I would be HONORED if you would reblog me. Thank you, dear friend, reblog, reblog away! Thank you so much for your kind, kind comment. xxoo.
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 12:05 pmReblogged this on Fear No Weebles and commented:
Many of you already follow Brigitte, but for those who don’t, her post today is Reason 567,192 why you should go over there and follow her right now.
Posted by Madame Weebles | June 25, 2012, 12:09 pmYOU ARE AWESOME. Thank you and here’s to your Monday going swimmingly and floating along at the perfect pace. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 12:13 pmThanks, B—and I wish the same to you! 😀
Posted by Madame Weebles | June 25, 2012, 12:15 pmI loved that movie – and now that you have explained it– I know why
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | June 25, 2012, 12:22 pmThanks Lou Ann. It is a favorite of mine, out of the mouths of babes, huh? :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 12:33 pmI definitely like the idea of flowing…I’m thinking learning to surf–figuratively, not literally!–could be a lot more fun than struggling with the currents that be. And thanks for the song! I used to listen to the radio when I was a driver. Since I’m a public transportation user, and never did get into the ear phone things, I don’t listen to random music as much as I used to. Convertible with the top down, I’m there! 🙂
Posted by Margarita | June 25, 2012, 12:35 pmHey Margarita…surfing, that sounds nice! Something about that song makes me feel so good and I used to listen to it alot. It kind of flows, you know? Thank you! :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 12:37 pmYeah, it flows! 🙂
Posted by Margarita | June 25, 2012, 12:49 pmGood stuff. Good, good stuff.
Posted by Fish Out of Water | June 25, 2012, 12:39 pmHey Fish, nice to see you here! Thanks so much! :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 12:41 pmOf course you know you’re singing my song here! ;^) I mumble “just keep swimming” to myself all the time… have loved that line from Finding Nemo ever since I heard it. For me, it’s in the mud at the moment, but I do look forward to that floating feeling some day, and so I keep at it. I’d forgotten the other moment with the whale. In ways, I’m still hanging on. In other big ways, I’ve certainly let go. I mean, I’m here in California now, aren’t I? Always amazes me how we can be so brave and so scared, all at the moment. Thank you for sharing your personal story this morning. It helps to know there’s at least one other person out there who actually left the solid job voluntarily like I did. Circumstances were that I didn’t have to work at that point (spouses early retirement allowed us to leave the rat race) and my career never did exactly ‘feel’ right, so I didn’t have any plans for serious re-entry other than eventually doing something I love for a change. A couple of years later, I was filing for divorce. Mud. Plenty of it. Re-entry to rat race, only I don’t know where I’m going. Yup. Just keep swimming. Ah, I know it well !!!
Posted by finally_write | June 25, 2012, 12:50 pmHey Sue, thank YOU for sharing. Again, we seem to have much in common. You are so right about several things happening at once and I guess it’s always, always a work-in-progress. Learning that this too shall pass is maybe one of the toughest “lessons” of all and swimming through all that mud just makes you stronger, huh? Thanks and be well, friend. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 12:53 pmI’m reading your very nice post on my iPhone while taking the light rail to downtown Denver, a place where I let go of a huge chunk of stuff I just couldn’t carry anymore. It is amazing to be here now reading your words and knowing first hand everything you’re saying is so true.
Great stuff here Lady. : )
Posted by Honie Briggs | June 25, 2012, 3:10 pmHi Hon, thanks so much for that — it means alot! :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 3:46 pmThat was so uplifting and just what I needed! I like to fancy myself someone who is free and easy and knows how to let go, but the truth is I’m probably more controlling than I’d like to admit. Trying to orchestrate your life, take care of others and be a “good” person can wear you down. I’m just finding that out. Intellectually I know it, but emotionally and physically I’ve been unwilling to let go when I need to. I always learn things the hard way! haha!
LOVE this Cranberries song.
Thanks Brigitte! And Thanks Madame Weebles for the recommend.
Btw… you may enjoy my daughter’s blog – Lily in Canada. She’s refreshingly honest and funny. She’s someone who appreciates a good cartoon like we do.
Posted by A Gripping Life | June 25, 2012, 4:20 pmHey L, I’m so glad and thanks so much for your comment. I too try to think I’m a carefree kind of person, but often I internalize over people and things and get myself all worked up in an emotional frenzy. Maybe it’s a woman thing?? Anyway, I would love to check out Lily’s blog — I LOVE refreshingly honest and funny. :). So glad you liked the song; it’s always been one of my favs.
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 4:30 pmLove this. I think this is why getting older rocks!
xoxox
Posted by Maggie O'C | June 25, 2012, 6:14 pmAmen to that, sister. Thank you and back at ya. xxoo. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 6:16 pmI honestly don’t know how to let go. I’m going to go to yoga and ruminate on it. Great post.
Posted by natasiarose | June 25, 2012, 6:46 pmHi N, it is difficult, but necessary in some instances, I think! Good luck with the yoga and the rumination and thanks so much for stopping by and your nice comment. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 7:39 pmI haven’t watched Finding Nemo in years, and now I may have to. I love Dory! And those cool sea turtles. This is a great post! And good advice.
Posted by SzaboInSlowMo | June 25, 2012, 7:59 pmIt’s so great, not just for all the “lessons” but the jokes, the sheer beauty of the colors and such and the laughs. I loved the sea turtle dudes too. :D. Thanks, Szabo — so glad you enjoyed.
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 8:02 pmThanks, Brigitte, for this lovely reminder about the futility of fighting what is inevitable in our lives; I remember the day I finally let go of my ex husband, and stopped fighting for a marriage that was long dead. What an enormous release! And you’re right: the worse happens, and we survive and move on.
Posted by sally | June 25, 2012, 8:01 pmHi Sally, thank you for your sweet comment and so glad you enjoyed. It’s funny when you set all that baggage down and let it go. You wonder what took so long. So appreciate your visiting. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 25, 2012, 8:05 pmhere’s the other thing about the next big swell, the more you have, the more you realize this too shall pass and then eventually during a swell, your fretting less because you know it will pass…:)
Posted by dianasschwenk | June 25, 2012, 8:31 pmThat is so true. Thanks, Diana! :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 9:03 amOh Disney and its life lessons. I love the wisdom you pulled out of it. Oh and the cranberries song to go with it!
Posted by Maribel | June 25, 2012, 9:31 pmThank you, Maribel and so glad you enjoyed!
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 9:04 amAwesome post! I love the lessons you pointed out–they are sooooooo true! Just keep swimming; let go…and learn the lessons from life instead of fighting them.
Posted by char | June 25, 2012, 9:53 pmHi Char, that’s so nice and it’s hard to fight and give up control but in the end, probably alot less taxing on the spirit! :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 9:04 amSo true.
Posted by char | June 26, 2012, 9:34 amGreat Post and Very Timely:) Thanks for sharing & Have a Great Day!
Posted by cravesadventure | June 25, 2012, 10:26 pmHi Craves, nice to see you here and thanks so much! :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 9:05 amPixar did some really great things with Toy Story, Monsters, Nemo, Cars, Ratatouille et al. They’re all filled with so many messages and truisms. They work on different levels, too. There’s the plain story that the younger kids get and the other level to keep the adults entertained.
You’re right about not really having control over our lives, so its best to be flexible and handle what comes out way.
Cheers!
Posted by Nigel Blackwell | June 25, 2012, 10:29 pmHi Nigel, welcome and thank you for stopping by. I’ve seen all these movies you mention and each one has so many lessons and you’re so right about them appealing to both adults and children. (Bugs Bunny did the same thing. 🙂 ) Thanks so much for your nice comment. Cheers to you!
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 9:07 amFabulous post, Brigitte! I think of it like this: if I’m here in the moment, I’m not worrying so much about the past or the future and I can usually deal with the moment – just as it is! When I’m in the moment, I’m not worried about what bad thing might happen (which it usually doesn’t!). So, I just keep swimming – back stroke, breast stroke, whatever it takes for that situation and I realize I’m fine! Often even better than fine! Thanks for the wonderful reminders and thanks again for stopping by.
Cathy
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | June 25, 2012, 11:47 pmHi Cathy, thank you so much. You’re so right about being the moment. That’s difficult for me, trying to still my mind and just be, but I think it’s like anything else, the more you practice, the better you get at it. You’re so very welcome about the reminders and thanks for sharing your wisdom as well. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 9:10 amReblogged this on hemadamani and commented:
love it..
Posted by hemadamani | June 26, 2012, 2:49 amThank you so much, Hemi — so appreciate this and for your visiting me. 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 9:17 amthe pleasure is all mine. i enjoy your posts because somehow i can relate to them and you express yourself beautifully!!
Posted by hemadamani | June 27, 2012, 1:22 amI’m so glad, Hemi and thank you. Your blog is beautiful as well. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 27, 2012, 9:45 amThanks for the reminder Brigitte. It came at the right time. 🙂
Posted by floatingwiththebreeze | June 26, 2012, 3:36 amHi FB, I’m so glad and thank you for taking the time to read. Always nice to hear from you! :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 9:12 amThis is fabulous because it has Nemo. But hey, great post! Made me a bit happier, which I swear I needed =))
Posted by thegirlwhowalked | June 26, 2012, 7:05 amThanks, Girl. I’m so glad you enjoyed it and it made you feel happier. That makes me happy. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 9:15 amBrigitte, you are the best. This is such a great truth and something I needed to be reminded of. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by Simon | June 26, 2012, 8:49 amHi Simon, what a nice thing to say! So appreciated and thank you for taking the time to read. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 9:16 amGorgeous post in every way. THANK you!!! I needed this.
Posted by newsofthetimes | June 26, 2012, 11:17 amYou’re welcome. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | July 11, 2012, 2:25 pmpretty awesome post. and you actually made me want to see ‘finding nemo’, which wifesy will appreciate because she’s a disney-type freak. anyway, i sincerely loved this post and i relate. oh, how i relate. lol. yoga helps me let go and then my yoga strap breaks and i’m in a yoga rage and then i have to let go all over again. it’s a cycle of tension and release. 😉 much love, sm
Posted by sweetmother | June 26, 2012, 11:28 amHi SM, thank you!! I wish I could get into the yoga thing. Have tried a few times, but I’ve always given up. Yoga Rage – lol, that’s been more of my experience with it. Glad you loved the post; I will most definitely take awesome and that means so much coming from you. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 11:34 amWhat a great post! You know what’s crazy, though? I’ve never seen Finding Nemo. Now I need to watch it. I think it might help me find myself. Or at least it’ll help me to catch up a little with pop culture. I’ll put it on as soon as I’ve finished listening to this new George Michael eight-track.
Posted by Kathy V. | June 26, 2012, 11:29 amHey KV, welcome back. Good stuff, Finding Nemo and it’s got some laugh out loud moments (in my opinion anyway). Love GM, but alas have no 8-tracks, only CDs and iTunes. ;). Thank you!!
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 11:36 amWhat’s an iTunes?
Posted by Kathy V. | June 26, 2012, 11:51 amIt is easier to let go if you’re not holding on.
Allan
Posted by Allan G. Smorra | June 26, 2012, 2:28 pmTrue that. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 26, 2012, 4:32 pmGreat post. It resonated with me. I love to have control and try to plan everything. I hate it when something happens that I didn’t plan for and it makes me . . . well, afraid. I wouldn’t mind incorporating a little bit more “Dory” in my life. So, I guess I’ll try to just keep swimming. 🙂
Posted by Literary Tiger | June 27, 2012, 12:04 amHi LT, thanks for stopping by! I know exactly what you mean. Change, the unexpected — all that is scary, but it most definitely one of the things we can be sure of if you think about it. Just keep swimming and thanks for you very kind comment. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | June 27, 2012, 9:44 amHi Brigitte, entertaining post. I started following your blog after you were FP’d. Thought I should finally introduce myself b/c my blog is called “Britta’s Banter” and when I see a new post from “Brigitte’s Banter” in my RSS feed it always makes me laugh… it’s like I should know you or something b/c our names and blog titles are so similar?! Anyway, we should become friends in this bloggy, blog world! How do you insert songs into the end of your posts btw? I like that feature!
Posted by britta326 | June 27, 2012, 10:43 amHi Britta! Delighted to meet you and that is weird — great minds think alike, huh? ;). Consider us friends and thank you so much!! The song thing, you have to get the WP upgrade thing and then insert it into your post and click the “none” button so that the little player thing shows up. You’ll see that you’ll have to download a song (mp3 are best) others ones, you can’t allow. Let me know if you have questions — it’s not complicated once you get the hang of it. Thanks Britta and here’s to more inspiring Banter from the both of us. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 27, 2012, 10:52 amOk, I researched embedding songs a little more. Might be something I’ll try in the future. At this point, I don’t own my domain. Good to connect with you! Let’s stay in touch!
Posted by britta326 | June 27, 2012, 11:05 am200% agree with you!
Posted by nyparrot | June 27, 2012, 1:32 pmHey NYP — thanks so much and for stopping by. :).
Posted by Brigitte | June 27, 2012, 1:59 pmWe’s keep in touch;).
Posted by nyparrot | June 27, 2012, 2:09 pmI really like your blog and this post especially, Brigitte. I’m trying to get my own started and I’ve got to that point in my life (I’m 26) where I’m in a decently paid job I don’t see myself staying in for long just like you experienced. But I’ve got this feeling in my heart that this year is the year I need to take a huge leap of faith and get out of my comfort zone and try to find the things that stimulate my mind and stir my heart. I need to let go and let God as they say. Thanks!
Posted by chattycapricorn | March 16, 2013, 3:57 pmHi Chatty, thank you so much and thanks for the follow. This post you’ve read is one of my favorites. You are so young and have so many wonderful experiences ahead of you! Embrace each one because you’ll learn so much about you, what you want and where you want this life to take you. Congrats on that good paying job — that’s a wonderful thing — observe and take as much good stuff from it as you can. You’ll know when the time is right by listening to yourself. Thank you so much for your kind comment and I hope to see you again around here. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | March 16, 2013, 4:56 pm