Thoughts on the quote: “Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong- sometimes it's letting go.”

Question

When does it apply and when not?

Answer 1

It always applies since it mentions the only two possibilities of action. Both apply generally, in each situation they might have a slightly different taste though.

"holding on": be patient, withstand pain, show courage, actively deal with it or step back to see what happens

"letting go": going out of trouble's way, not wasting anymore time on it, choosing an alternative

You get the idea ...
The intention of the one stating this is to divide the population into two parts: those who rather not get involved and some who like to face things. The first group might be labeled as cowards, the others as heroes, but this is just one point of view on this matter.

Answer 2

Let's say you are in a situation that seems hopeless. You lost your job, because your husband cannot get the heart surgery he needs. You have four kids in the house. Ends are just meeting, and you have a sneaking suspicion that you may be pregnant again. Holding on in that case makes you stronger, because the more you presevere the better the outcome.
You have a parent, who is addicted to meth. Has been for over 30 some odd years. This parent lies, cheats, steals and practices black magic. Also he sexually abused you. It is stronger to let him go.

Answer 3

The most obvious example that I can think of is concerning the death of a loved one. The ability to move on with one's life is crucial to developing as an individual. This is not to say that a person is 'forgeting' about that loved one, simply that being able to function in life in the face of that person's absence is a part of the developmental process that will allow one to become a stronger individual.

Answer 4

I can just give examples:

Holding on to an ideal or principle or relationship during rough times can strengthen one enough to face another challenge if it arises. The confidence of knowing that one has faced a previous challenge aids you, as do any specific lessons previously learnt on how to stick with it.

Letting go of someone who wants to be free can make one stronger. It may hurt but the internal process one goes through to resolve the questions and pain enables one to emotionally stand on one's own feet.

Answer 5

I agree with one caveat: it is sometimes letting go that TAKES strength.

It takes on meaning when you consider the "Serenity Prayer" (not written by AA, btw, but a famous theologian), "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change."
That is often nearly impossible, yet the strength to do so is often necessary for the preservation of your life.

Answer 6

The real trick is to sort of have both attitudes at once. ( A Zen type of attitude) You care about it, but let whatever happens be right. Most of the time, very difficult, but necessary.

Answer 7

Agreed. I know a man in that situation.
His wife died but he had three sons. He held onto life because of them.
This same man remarried because he needed to be loved and to be loved in return. And his sons had left home. The love he felt for his wife he had to let it go. And he had to move on with his life so that he could love again.

Answer 8

In my life I do my best to hold The Word Of God within me, into my heart in order to live a better life (to me, to my family and to all around me). So, Jesus, The Verb and The Author of my faith and salvation is The Only One I really do all my efforts to HOLD and He certaily makes me STRONG (He Through His Words In The Only One!). All other things not related to God and to love and to giving, to forgiving, etc I really choose to let go. As time goes by it gets easier to get rid of bad feelings that really destroy people's lives and health!

Answer 9

depends on what it is i guess. both can definitely do it, it's just a matter of making a wise decision. if you hold on or let go at the WRONG time, well, that's a learning experience too.

Answer 10

get your head outta your a.s.s.