News
November 15, 2025
SLATTERY: Letting go – when is enough?
Well before entering my 80s, I thought with a bit more zeal, of what I feel a need to hang on to and what to discard. Such decisions can shift over time, but the more urgent question is: in what...
**SLATTERY: Letting go – when is enough?**
The question of what to keep and what to discard becomes increasingly relevant as we journey through life, particularly as we approach our later years. In a reflective piece, Slattery explores this very dilemma, delving into the shifting sands of attachment and the often-urgent need to declutter, both physically and mentally.
Slattery acknowledges that the decision to let go isn't always straightforward. What once held immense value, a cherished memory woven into its very fabric, might eventually become a burden, a space-filler in a life that demands simplification. This process of re-evaluation, he suggests, is not a one-time event but a continuous negotiation with our past and present selves.
The urgency Slattery identifies stems from the realization that time is finite. The energy required to maintain and manage possessions, relationships, or even long-held beliefs can become overwhelming. The act of clinging to things, both tangible and intangible, can inadvertently prevent us from embracing new experiences and opportunities.
The article doesn’t offer a definitive answer to the question of "when is enough?" Instead, it proposes a framework for personal reflection. It encourages readers to consider the impact of their attachments on their overall well-being. Are we holding onto things out of genuine love and appreciation, or out of fear of letting go? Are we allowing possessions to possess us, or are we consciously curating a life that aligns with our current values and aspirations?
Ultimately, Slattery’s contemplation invites us to engage in a thoughtful process of discernment. It's a call to examine our lives with a critical eye, to identify the areas where we might be clinging unnecessarily, and to find the courage to release what no longer serves us. This act of letting go, though potentially painful, can ultimately pave the way for a lighter, more meaningful, and fulfilling existence. By intentionally choosing what to keep and what to discard, we can actively shape our lives and ensure that our remaining years are filled with purpose and joy, rather than weighed down by the baggage of the past.
The question of what to keep and what to discard becomes increasingly relevant as we journey through life, particularly as we approach our later years. In a reflective piece, Slattery explores this very dilemma, delving into the shifting sands of attachment and the often-urgent need to declutter, both physically and mentally.
Slattery acknowledges that the decision to let go isn't always straightforward. What once held immense value, a cherished memory woven into its very fabric, might eventually become a burden, a space-filler in a life that demands simplification. This process of re-evaluation, he suggests, is not a one-time event but a continuous negotiation with our past and present selves.
The urgency Slattery identifies stems from the realization that time is finite. The energy required to maintain and manage possessions, relationships, or even long-held beliefs can become overwhelming. The act of clinging to things, both tangible and intangible, can inadvertently prevent us from embracing new experiences and opportunities.
The article doesn’t offer a definitive answer to the question of "when is enough?" Instead, it proposes a framework for personal reflection. It encourages readers to consider the impact of their attachments on their overall well-being. Are we holding onto things out of genuine love and appreciation, or out of fear of letting go? Are we allowing possessions to possess us, or are we consciously curating a life that aligns with our current values and aspirations?
Ultimately, Slattery’s contemplation invites us to engage in a thoughtful process of discernment. It's a call to examine our lives with a critical eye, to identify the areas where we might be clinging unnecessarily, and to find the courage to release what no longer serves us. This act of letting go, though potentially painful, can ultimately pave the way for a lighter, more meaningful, and fulfilling existence. By intentionally choosing what to keep and what to discard, we can actively shape our lives and ensure that our remaining years are filled with purpose and joy, rather than weighed down by the baggage of the past.
Category:
Politics