The Truth About Suffering: How to Find Peace by Letting Go

What if I told you that most of your suffering isn’t real? That the stress, anxiety, and pain you experience daily aren’t actually caused by what’s happening to you - but by your attachment to the past and fear of the future.

The truth is, you suffer because you won’t let go.

We cling to past regrets, replaying mistakes we can’t change. We obsess over the future, worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet. And in doing so, we miss the only moment that truly exists - the present.

But the good news? You can free yourself from suffering. And it starts with learning how to let go.

Why Holding On Creates Suffering

Imagine a glass of water with sand in the bottom. If you stir it constantly, the water becomes cloudy, restless, and chaotic. But if you allow it to sit still, it clears.

Your mind works the same way.

• When you constantly replay past regrets, your mind remains in a state of chaos.
• When you overthink the uncertainty of the future, your thoughts become turbulent with anxiety.
• But when you allow yourself to be fully present, your mind becomes clear, calm, and peaceful.

Just like water, clarity comes with stillness.

The Two Biggest Causes of Suffering

1. Living in the Past
   • Regret, guilt, and shame come from holding onto what was.
   • You relive old mistakes, failures, and disappointments.
   • But no amount of thinking can change the past - it only steals your peace and power today.
2. Fearing the Future
   • Anxiety, stress, and overwhelm come from worrying about what might happen.
   • You imagine worst-case scenarios, convincing yourself of outcomes that haven’t even occurred.
   • The future is unwritten - but your suffering in the present is real.

When you live in either place - past or future - you’re never truly living.

How to Let Go and Find Peace

1. Shift Your Focus to the Present

Ask yourself:
"What is actually happening right now?"

Right now, in this very moment, you’re okay. You’re breathing. You’re alive. Nothing is threatening you in this exact second. The more you bring yourself back to the present, the less control your thoughts have over you.

2. Release the Need for Control

Much of our suffering comes from trying to control things we cannot change. The past is over. The future is unpredictable. Your only power lies in how you show up right now.

Try this: Each time you catch yourself overthinking, say:
"I release what I cannot change. I choose peace instead."

3. Practice Stillness

Just as water settles when left alone, your mind settles when you allow it to be still.

• Breathe deeply.
• Sit for 5 minutes quieting the mind.
• Spend time in nature.
• Disconnect from distractions.

The more you practice stillness, the more clarity and peace you will find.

4. Let Go of Resistance

Suffering happens when we resist what is. Instead of fighting reality - accept it. Let go of the belief that things should be different and start embracing what is in front of you.

Acceptance isn’t giving up - it’s choosing peace over suffering.

About the Author
Jeff Hammer is a Mindset Architect and success strategist dedicated to helping individuals break through limiting beliefs, shift their mindset, and unlock their full potential. With decades of entrepreneurial experience, Jeff has built and sold successful businesses, proving firsthand the power of mindset in achieving extraordinary results.
As the founder of DominatingEdge.com, Jeff provides transformational insights, guiding people to reprogram their thinking, overcome self-doubt, and take bold action toward their dreams. His approach blends practical wisdom with high-performance strategies, empowering individuals to create lasting success in business, wealth, and personal growth.
Jeff’s mission is simple: help others master their mindset so they can master their lives.