#96. The Thin Line Between Holding On and Letting Go
Some Thoughts In Last Days Of The Lunar Year
Welcome to the blog post #96! Click here to read more from previous posts.
As the lunar year draws to a close, Vietnamese households have a tradition of cleaning and decorating their homes to welcome luck and prosperity in the new year. Tết holds deep spiritual significance in Vietnamese culture; it’s a time for gratitude, renewal, and family reunion. It’s also a moment to pause, reflect, and prepare for a fresh beginning.
This tradition feels even more special when we think about how unpredictable life can be. Recently, the fire in Los Angeles has suddenly disrupted many people’s lives. Nowadays news about disasters, wars, and conflicts happens so often that it can feel overwhelming. But what stood out to me wasn’t the media coverage about this event—it was Lawrence Yeo’s personal reflections on his blog, More to That.
His experience made me think about life priorities, decision-making, and the balance between attachment and freedom. These are the thoughts I’d like to share with you in today’s post.
Bad Events Are Unpredictable—But Resilience Is Key
Bad events can strike without warning, disrupting even the most stable lives. The fire in Los Angeles came suddenly, forcing people to evacuate their homes with just a little time for preparation. This wasn’t a war zone, yet the destruction was swift.
From this event, I think of Bruce Lee’s words, capturing the essence of resilience: "Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one." This strength isn’t about avoiding challenges but about developing the mindset to face them when they arise.
Clear Priorities Guide Effective Decisions
Lawrence shared how the evacuation was surprisingly calm because people knew their priorities. Chaos in a crisis often comes from not knowing what to do. Whether it’s a big emergency or a small personal challenge, clear priorities act like a guide. When you know your "why," it becomes easier to figure out "what" and "how.” This clarity transforms reactive decisions into intentional actions.
True Values Emerge in Life’s Tests
It’s often in moments of crisis that we discover what truly matters. When faced with life-or-death situations, instinct reveals our core values. Fame, wealth, and status—things we spend years pursuing—often pale in comparison to loved ones or health. Material things are not permanent. Money serves its purpose only when we master it, rather than letting it control us. Recognizing this brings a sense of liberation, reminding us to cherish what truly enriches our lives.
Hope and Kindness Shine in Dark Times
Even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and kindness. Disasters test our limits, but they also reveal the strength of human connection. Acts of care and support from others can light the way forward. When life feels like struggling, optimism and hope are often what help us move on. They plant the seeds for renewal and a fresh start.
Gratitude Transforms How We See Life
Lawrence’s words stuck with me: "There are moments in life where you feel like everything’s a bonus." This reminds us not to take life for granted. Nothing—whether possessions or loved ones—is guaranteed forever. This realization isn’t meant to evoke fear but to inspire gratitude. When we see life as a gift, we learn to appreciate its fleeting beauty and cherish every moment.
The Shift From “Freedom To” to “Freedom From”
Thinking about attachment and freedom reminded me of Naval Ravikant’s idea of two types of freedom: "freedom to" and "freedom from." When I was younger, freedom meant being able to do whatever I wanted, like making my own decisions or enjoying financial independence. But Naval’s perspective on inner freedom expands this definition further.
He describes a higher state of freedom: "Freedom from reaction. Freedom from feeling angry. Freedom from being forced to do things."
This mindset shifts our focus from external circumstances to internal mastery. It’s about liberating ourselves from negative emotions, societal expectations, and unnecessary burdens. True freedom lies not just in what we can do, but in what we can let go of.
Final Thoughts
As we approach the new lunar year, let us take time to reflect on the past year’s experiences and reevaluate our priorities.
What attachments weigh us down? What freedoms can we embrace?
This Tet, may we find the courage to let go of what no longer serves us and focus on what truly matters. In doing so, we create space for hope, gratitude, and renewal—the greatest gifts we can carry into the new year.
I’ll see you again after the Tet holiday!
Cheers,
Do Thi Dieu Thuong