“Rushing into action, you fail. Trying to grasp things, you lose them. Forcing a project to completion, you ruin what was almost ripe.” ~ Lao Tzu

Sometimes we lack the patience needed to let things run their course. By taking action at the wrong times or in the wrong ways, we can create problems that wouldn’t otherwise occur.

When we try too hard to force a particular outcome, anything that keeps us from making it happen can seem like an adversary, even loved ones. There are times when people keep us from doing things that need to be done, but usually our frustration is actually a result of trying to force something that can’t be forced.

Sometimes we have to let go and allow time to be our ally. How many times have you wanted something so badly, didn’t get it, but were ultimately better off for not getting it? Conversely, how many times has something really great happened when you least expected it? How many important people have come into your life through no planning of your own? How many times have you ended up with something better than you thought you wanted?

It’s not about passively accepting everything, but about knowing when to act and when to trust the natural flow of things.