The Art of Letting Go

Art takes form in numerous ways.

It is art when you draw, art when you paint, art when you write.

How great it is to glorify certain aspects of life: when we triumph, down to the most minute details of our lives—but most often than not, art takes its purest form when we're faced with dread and misery.

I once learned from my English professor the true essence of a masterpiece with a great power play of good and evil; the Yin and Yang of life: that goodness in itself, cannot be magnified without an opposing evil. The greater the evil, the greater requirement for goodness – more pure and divine.

Happiness for me was simple: waking up worry-free, the smell of morning coffee and the anticipation of a well-planned day. Looking back at the routine I used to have, I failed to realize how it could all be temporary. I never thought I would never have it the same way again.

Misery on the other hand, it's waking up lost, waking up mad, and waking up sad.

I had grown accustomed to misery being part of my day and I have to admit, things could be better.

What's the art in letting go? Let me tell you what it's not.

It is not letting go of someone or something only for you to go back to spitefulness.

It is not forgetting.

It is not religiously trying to be good when all you feel is pain.

It is not pretending to be fine.

It is not easy.

Letting go is never easy.

You never really let go completely, but you can win victories over misery.

You win when you let go of your expectations, you win when you accept, when you let go of pretending, and win when you finally stop hurting.

Some days you won't win, but some days you will.

You let go by living.

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Photos were taken at Pinto Art Museum.