Why Letting Go Brings You Everything You Need - Stop Trying to Force Things

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Thank you so much for watching my video! I post a new video on slow living and presence every month but if you're curious to see more of my content, check out my blog! As a writer, I have a full archive of posts written from the past 5 years on the Simple Joys blog about how to find more joy in your life as well as slow and joyful living and presence. I hope it brings you as much joy as it did me making it. Have a magical day, lovely ☀️
Stop Trying to Force Things - Why Letting Go Brings You Everything You Need

[@helenawoods]

Interesting response. Just to make things clear about this video and what I'm saying: I don't ever say "don't take action." Or that life isn't filled with challenges and obstacles to overcome. Action is necessary, always. But instead of swimming against the current, swim WITH the current. Actively take action, but do it from a place of peace and presence and alignment with your core values.

[@KatieRingley]

I’ve been married for 10 years and trying for our first child for five. We were pregnant and I miscarried at 14.5 weeks last week. I immediately told my husband that the universe had spoken and I refused to continue to paddle upstream. I am so content with my husband and I and now after tons of work of connecting with presence and spirituality, a child free life and simplicity is NOT a limitation on my life. I can see it as a gift. ♥️ thank you for your work ♥️

[@melissahouse1296]

💞Beautiful comment wishing you all the best 💓💖💝😊

[@jocampbell6962]

What a wonderful comment. Thank you for sharing your journey💫💚 Wishing you both all the very best 😃

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

You are an inspiration. You are always enough, in every second. Thank you.

[@helenawoods]

Wow! This is so inspiring. I'm so very sorry to hear about your miscarriage, Katie. I am sending you the warmest hug and I, and so many others here, are inspired by your resilience and optimism! 💕🥰and your ability to see the present 🎁in the present moment.

[@wildflowerwind6941]

So wonderful you see it as a gift. This comment may be inappropriate but we did invitro fertilization and became pregnant on the first try. My child has autism. He is 22 now. Husband died when child was 11. It has been a really hard road. Many times I wish I had not tried so hard to get pregnant.

[@hosealong3930]

Awesome! I've been following your videos for a while. At 71 years of age, I find your insights fascinating. You show that wisdom can come to one in their youth. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. I'll continue to follow your channel.

[@anncereghino5293]

Ops sorry, I meant thumbs up

[@irishcladdagh3]

At the end of January I had to surrender. For the past 36+ yrs I have been living on a TEMPORARY mentality...not getting to comfortable in my surroundings not making any friends not creating a social life not settling in to an apt or home because I have been wanting, wishing and craving to go back an live in a 4 seasons climate where there is rain, snow, Autumn leaves cloudy skies, sweater weather...I have been feeling trapped for decades living and working in hot climates from the Caribbean to the desert for work and family obligations...and summers are my least favorite seasons...ok I hate the heat....and in 2021 I dedicated my entire year to working and saving as much as I could, I packed everything, I was living out of boxes, deprived myself of anything fun or tasty just to save every penny so I can relocate to the PNW now in March 2022 and in January all my efforts, hard work, sacrifices and hopes of finally getting my 4 seasons climate came tumbling down, again.... Now February, I am relearning how to live in the "right now"....only thinking as far as the next hour and no more....sadly realizing that I finally at 52 y/o I'm going to have to let this dream go....a dream and a yearning that was so strong it has only caused me decades of depression, anxieties and isolation...today, I can only hope its not too late to create a life for myself where I can find some kind of joy and enough contentment in my surroundings that I can create an actual life for myself before its too late in my life that I won't be able to enjoy myself...Thank you for your beautiful content.

[@shelleyanne77]

Thanks so much for this! Now learning this at the age of 44. I've just moved to my 5th city in France and there are times I panic and ask myself- "What the heck am I doing here?" or panicking about being alone or how my future will be in France. You're right- "Flow with what life is offering you right now." Anxiety comes from not being PRESENT! Thank you!

[@garlenehicks369]

Shelley-Anne your comment resonates so much….even moreso as I too am 44 and I am also learning to let go of fears especially those fearful thoughts that create anxiety. Sending you love and best wishes from Trinidad and Tobago. You’re doing an amazing job!😊🙏🏾🌺

[@shelleyanne77]

@@garlenehicks369 Omg! I'm from Trinidad and Tobago as well!!!!

[@ccyoutube8793]

Same age and I've always wanted to move to France but I don't know the language or anybody there. Maybe we can become bestie, I don't even know how Im gonna make it happen

[@gerafinali4384]

In my forties, I was riddled with anxiety. I remember my mother telling me that it is normal as you get older, as you have more experience so more reasons to worry about things going wrong. Somehow knowing that helped me. I was so convinced before that I should just get less and less worried as I aged.

[@shelleyanne77]

@@ccyoutube8793 I don't know anyone and my French is very little after 6 yrs here. If you really want to, the universe will find ways to support your decision. Just get rid of the fear first.

[@emmanuellegd4515]

Being and not having gives us freedom. Our society is dying with so much consuming..... We're energy and souls, we aren't sheeps following TV adds and swollowing news and being depressed if we can't buy..... We have to wake up and take responsability with our life. Be our light, travel light and spread the light. Thanks young Helena for being son wise and opened🙏🙏

[@hekataya7828]

This video, hearing your voice and your word of wisdom floating through my ears. I felt tears springing to my eyes due to my circumstances at this moment, Left my previous job and now searching for another. Having thoughts telling me that the choices i made these past couple of weeks, I felt like I regret my choice, I should of listen to everyone telling me I should stayed in the job but i didn't listen because I didn't enjoy the job I was doing. This strange feelings ive been having ever since ive left my job, I felt defeated, hopeless and burnt out. I thought doing what I want to do with my life things would work out but so far it hasn't. And so hearing what you said through out this video, made me think no this is my life, this is MY own choice that ive made and should be grateful in life knowing i chose to do something that isn't meant for me. I've been so focused on pleasing others that I dont realise every choice I would make made me feel my choices arent the right choices and other peoples chatter were. So I dont believe in myself enough and have so many anxiety breakdowns. But hearing this video made me feel like im not the only one who going through this, and so I cant tell you how much I needed to hear these words and the expressions you were giving out. I just need to give myself time and patient and not go straight to "I need a job now!" sort of thoughts. So thank you for doing this video and I hope whatever comes your way this year, I hope its something magnificent and amazing because you are a beautiful human being that has words and wisdom like ancient soul in time. So thank you. Also sorry for this massive paragraph, I do sometimes get ahead of myself when it comes to these things.

[@laurakalinski1286]

Another great message! Do the work AND be present while doing it. Pushing hard sometimes blocks the flow life wants to give us and to enjoy. Taking the hands off the steering wheel and letting go of having control. Sometimes you simply don't have control. Sometimes you just have to let go, get bounced and tossed around and allow. Sometimes life throws something explosive and crazy at us. Kind of like a slap in the face to wake up and telling us to stop thinking about the to do list or the next thing or what to achieve next. This thinking takes what is in front of us for granted. All the blessings that are right here, right now. All the joy in this moment. Thank you, my beautiful friend! ❤❤

[@DeandraStubbs]

*I've learned being happy with what I have now, will only make me appreciate more the blessing I later received that much more. Because when we are always looking forward to when we have this or that we don't appreciate it because we don't know how to be happy in the present moment. Great tips as always Helena and I hope all of us will be able to use this knowledge.* 😊💕💕

[@helenawoods]

so beautifully said!! 💕

[@linnulman7138]

I've known and valued these truths for some time, partly living them. Just this week I experienced viscerally the need to give in, to suspend the struggle. You said these wise things with such clarity and peaceful verve, and it gave me uplift to watch you do it.

[@henriettahenson]

'' What you resist persists '' you cannot push the river,,, it flows as it wants,,,, so except it and go with it...💞

[@wildflowerwind6941]

Boy did I need to hear this today. Thank you.

[@Fiffi_sound]

I agree with what you say. A lot of people Search for recognition through someone else or something else. Sometimes its also hard to see the path in front of us, but its usually there, what we’ve always done, and what comes easy to us. We always Think that we Will feel good about ourselfs if we have that Education that is the hardest to achieve. (Thats what i’ve learned) and what i’ve seen my friends go through. This also talks a lot to me with romantic relationships

[@chopincenter5013]

Great message! you are really saving many people who struggle ... Thank you Helena. (fr. Emma)

[@SunnyKindJourney]

We found ourselves still wondering who are we, Like it was something unknown. Just listen to your heart, And the answer will be shown. Just a little poem for you from a fellow soul ❤️

[@helenawoods]

how beautiful!! Love and resonate with this so much ✨ Our truth and answers always come from within 💕 Thank you kindred spirit!

[@robynneeggblue]

i've known since i was 12 that i didn't want to have kids and at 33 almost 34 this hasn't changed. i get a lot of people saying oh you will change your mind. or you'll change your mind when you meet your partner in life, or well thats selfish being a mom is the best thing. and to that i say yes for some people but i've never wanted that for myself.

[@janereyes8352]

Your dedication is a delight. Thank you for being you without reservation. And your faith in life is reassuring that all is well. Thank you!

[@justonemorestitch]

Thank you so much for this video I have been following your channel for a couple of weeks now and I'm actually watching the videos backwards. I am 46 and recently I realized, I'd lost my spark and my joy. Your videos have helped me to slow down and remember that everything does not have to be done today or right now. Thank you. Your videos are helping me re find my peace and balance.

[@gabrielayoung6357]

We need more of this content on KZbin. Thank you Helena for your lovely videos 💕

[@helenawoods]

thank you for your encouragement 🥰

[@jocampbell6962]

My goodness, this is truly refreshing and oh so TRUE. I have found this to be so in the last six months to a year. You are so right, gratitude for the here and now and it is a working progress, indeed, yet, at 57 years, I feel renewed!! Thank you for your encouraging, inspiring content🤗 Keep doing what you're doing Helena💫🌞 Warmest wishes from the UK 😃

[@colleenwestbrook8848]

Thank you for this. I am the biggest what iffer in the world. I try so hard to stop it. I’ve actually mad myself sick at times from doing this. Right now I have an upcoming surgery and I’m so fearful, but trying hard not to be.

[@nancyagrimes]

Well said. This was a great message to start my day with. Thank you.

[@helenawoods]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rosefrancaise]

Helena, what an exquisite message and video…you are truly a gift. Thank you for sharing such nourishing wisdom, this invitation to come home to what’s most true. I needed this reminder today ❤️

[@GretchenBostrom]

I 100% agree and love the message of this video. I spent so much of my life paddling upstream…and I catch myself doing it from time to time. But, I am learning to let go and be present…to be happy where I am and not “when I get to xyz place or when I have xyz thing happen.” I have most definitely experienced resistance when I push against the grain and burn out when I am trying so hard to achieve something but still feel stuck. I have seen more doors and opportunities open when I take the path of least resistance and I enjoy and appreciate where I am in the present.

[@JRose-zk1ni]

Hello therre Helena - this hit home to the CORE!! I am REALLY trying NOT to push things and to remember to ENJOY the process. I get so tied up in a knot emotionally thinking I have to do this and that. ONe thing I notice is that I put TOO MUCH ON MY CREATIVE PLATE too. That is HUGE!! It's about stepping back , doing what feels REALLY right , for right NOW, you know. As I'm writing this, it's speaking loudly and clearly to ME...lol..Like you said too, we have to stop putting so much bearing on getting or acquiring that THING, you know. It's tough sometimes because , like you said too, we BELIEVE that that particular thing will make us happy. If we just focus on one or two things and in a a way that's balanced we wouldn't necessarily yearn for so much MORE because we would already be balanced and loving being IN the moment! Your book suggestion has been helping me tremendously by the way (the Unteathered Soul) 🙂. Thank you for this beautiful video!! Wishing you a momentous week!!

[@sublimeister9630]

Wuwei - “non-action” (see Alan Watts - The Principle Of Not Forcing) 😃 There’s also another Zen story called “The Farmer and His Son” which encapsulates the impermanent FLUX of life.

[@helenawoods]

oh cool! I'll check that out!

[@ladyquinn2559]

Thank you so much, very timely. I'm thankful that you are putting your energy into sharing these truths. It is making a difference! And we need to keep hearing it again and again, so (as long as it's still flowing downstream for you), please don't stop!

[@meditating-mind]

Love your channel Helena. Surrender, Flow, Presence are hard to learn but so important!

[@Lovejoypeace69]

Helena this is fab!! Dear goodness you are gifted.

[@Karen-nq8du]

Thank you for this encouragement, Helena. I have been making such good progress with mindful presence and what you so beautifully call "simple joys". Yesterday, I had one of those "dry days" when I "needed something" and didn't know what. I felt like I'd stepped back years in my journey and scrabbled through the day. When I read this now, I remember that it was just a day and the journey is every day. Today I will remember again that these are just feelings and I have my own (and God's) energy to hold me firmly and will choose not to scrabble through today by using all the tools I've learned along the way. xo karen

[@helenawoods]

so beautiful and inspiring, Karen! 💕 Thank you for sharing your light with me! I'm so excited for you! 🥰

[@moonlighteternal8024]

Helena... you are SUCH a beautiful soul...I absolutely loved this video- I really needed to hear what you had to say. Thank You, from the bottom of my heart! Love & Light Always xx

[@YMSN2006]

Beautiful message Helena! Greetings from Dominican Republic 🇩🇴!

[@raghavendra4633]

Thanks to God , this video is the best for me. I am working hard in my studies , but was feeling stressful .I closed my eyes are listened to rhis video. I feel so very light .Thank You from INDIA

[@helenawoods]

I'm so glad to hear it! ❤️

[@wilsonmagic9210]

Definitely one of your best. This spoke to my heart and soul today. Grateful for you and your messages.

[@helenawoods]

wow thank you! I'm so glad to hear it 🤗

[@melissapantilanan9226]

Thank you Helena for this video❤Watching from the Philippines😍

[@Bruno-bi6hq]

Ma très chère Helena. Happy to finally find this Helena that I love. The sun has just started to shine again and your words go straight to my heart. I wish you a very good sunday.

[@dianeschmiane]

Helena, thank you for these beautiful, gentle reminders about the true nature of life. New subscriber… :)

[@dakotaovdan]

Love these life talks always so insightful and beautifully shot 😊

[@helenawoods]

I'm so excited to make more videos on presence and slow living going forward! 💕

[@shannonjohnson4314]

Thank you for blessing us with this video 🙏🏾 it came at the right time!

[@helenawoods]

I'm so glad!! 💕 That's magical ✨ I was planning to post it yesterday but felt very aligning to do so now 🥰

[@MoniquefromTheNetherlands]

Helena, thanks for this meaningful vlog. I've been in a situation for quite some time. And I'm looking for a new home. Where it is much quieter, what i actually need. But the prices are unaffordable. I was so stressed. Then yesterday I came across a quote from Viktor Frankl: When we are no longer able to change a Situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. That touches me so much at that moment. And I've decided to just stay here and change my attitude and enjoy the time here in this environment. A mountain of stress fell from my shoulder after that decision. And then your Vlog come. Wow what a timing. So great ❤️👍🏻😘🤗 And I will swim with the current. And I won't swim upstream anymore. And will enjoy it. Thanks for that 😘 Big Hug Sorry very long reaction 😊 (Wildlings are such fantastic shoes ❤️. I have them too)

[@helenawoods]

wow what divine timing! Love Viktor Frankl's work....his book had a profound impact on my level of consciousness. I'm so excited for you, Monique! 🥰💕 And thanks! Wildling is seriously the best! My favorite shoes I own ❤

[@MoniquefromTheNetherlands]

❤️🤗

[@megalina111]

Thank you! Such a beautiful video and perfect timing for me personally.

[@viridianacarreon7203]

This is the video I needed to watch at this very exact moment. I truly truly enjoyed it. Thank you beautiful spirit!!!

[@RockDove5212]

Wow , most if these KZbin "wisdom" videos are vapid and platitudinous but yours has some really wonderful nuggets of real value. Thank you very much. This helped me a lot today. ❤

[@nancygandrud]

I would love to see a video on hos French people raise their children. Especially when it comes to discipline and toddlers!

[@helenawoods]

I have no idea! The families I babysat for for mainly German and Austrian! I mainly post about slow living :)

[@karziflora]

You sound like you're channeling Abraham Hicks one of my fav teachers. Thanks for sharing your thoughts it's really inspiring and always on point. Happy Blessed Days, Joy is the KEY!

[@helenawoods]

Aw yay! I often feel like I'm channeling when I'm writing. Sometimes I open the Records before I start typing. Other times I just light a candle, set an intenion and ask for messages to flow through. Time just flies 🥰 So glad you enjoy it!

[@nataliavalentina2341]

Thank you!!!!!

[@cathfrompa9561]

Helena, you are so incredibly talented. I love to watch your videos first thing in the morning while I drink my coffee and come out of my nightly coma (NOT a morning person). I'm 53 now and your thoughts resonate deeply with me. I only wish you had been around when I was in my 20s and feeling my own confusion and desperation. Back in the 90s, everyone around me seemed so sure about the direction of their lives and ambition--except me! But I faked it (like everyone else) and wasted a huge chunk of my precious life feeling anxious and angry. Keep them coming Helena. When you have your own moments of questioning about your path, remember this-- you are doing the work of the angels. Thank you.

[@midnightseahorse]

Such wisdom. Got so much out of this video. Merci beaucoup.

[@Anne-ux3ex]

Beautiful message. Thank you so much. XO

[@eftsoulpath333]

You made this video for me. God bless you. This is fabulous 💕

[@PreciousRural]

Thankyou for putting into words, that which I could not find before. Easily put, 'Living in the present.' You cultivate and appreciate both relationships and time. relationships

[@annemiekekiesler3046]

Thank you for such a joy !!!

[@yogabalakrishnan3899]

I can relate to every word you are speaking in this video.you words are just like my inner voice speaking through this video. It is amazing

[@karllaplante4029]

Helena 🙌🏾 thank youuuuu so much (from Haiti 🇭🇹) for this priceless gift of WORDS 👌🏾🙏🏾. I will do my best to watch more of your videos (this kind of my real circle ⭕️ people and talks). Stay safe, healthy, beautiful and keep smiling 😊

[@suriwak]

Thank you for this life changing video, it feels like you were talking directly to me! Such a connection!

[@SL-be8ws]

So timely. Thank you. I love your videos. Thanks for being true to your path.

[@helenawoods]

ahhh your words are such a confirmation!! the words "true to your path" "trust your path" have been appearing for me everywhere lately. I'm actually currently writing a script on it. Thank you :)

[@IAmSarahMiles]

This is the teaching of Abraham Hicks. Beautiful teaching.

[@tessah1730]

I love your channel - Ive learnt much from you - Ive made some changes - God ordained the sabbath rest and it was for our benefit - even the land was to rest every seventh yr and only Israel do that and they're the greatest producers of Europe - your channel reminds me of the sabbath rest and living out of that not striving - so glad I found u - Ive told others about u xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[@family561]

I’ve been following since 2k. I’m so happy to see the Channel growing❤️❤️❤️

[@luisv7117]

I love that quote at the end...thank you again till next time.

[@KelliBlum3]

Beautifully articulated 🌻

[@melissajunkermeier6242]

You look so pretty in this video! Great video, it reminds me to be present and not wait for a time when I can be happy but to be happy now in every moment. Thank you for the reminder, it’s easy to forget.

[@aika5084]

Amazing channel, such a discovery of the day - thanks life 🙏🏻

[@suefox7284]

So so true, every word you speak

[@KristenMelissa]

This is such a Powerful message that I Really Really needed to hear right now! ✨❤🌞 THANK YOU Helena for delivering this message so beautifully! 😍 I will be watching this often! You have so much wisdom to share (and you are so gifted at storytelling and filmaking) 💗 What you said about enjoying the process is what matters ~ the outcome does not matter. Just Wow. ✨✨✨💕

[@luisv7117]

Thank you for sharing, It is a pleasure listening to you, and thanks to you I am changing many things in my life and starting enjoying other things, and today is like you talking to me because that's precisely whats is happening

[@neba_heals]

This was soooo good thank you 🙏🏾🖤

[@simplyme777]

Definitely need this🥂💜

[@garlenehicks369]

I connect deeply with your content. You are true inspiration. Thank you.

[@Amora986]

That was so beautiful Angel,Thank you,your light is so appreciated🌞🌹🍃💟

[@themcguirevlog]

I love this! I'm learning to let go of the things I don't need. ❤❤❤

[@helenawoods]

yay! 💕 love to hear it!

[@RHYTHMgirlMo]

I love this, thank you! Touche'!!

[@MsEdnavfloureiro]

I love your videos. I am going through a hard time and you really inspired me with this video. Thank you for the simplicity ❤️🍀

[@helenawoods]

thank you for your love, Edna 💕 Been having a hard time as well - you're not alone in it! 🥰

[@growthtogether2453]

Love it here. Super much.

[@alicia10387]

This video is a blessing! Thank you Helena.

[@helenawoods]

thank you for sharing your beautiful light with me 💕

[@tralala88]

What a beautiful reminder. Thank you x

[@melissahouse1296]

This video is a treasure.. & so are you *thank you* 💝💕😊

[@krissol9292]

You are such an inspiration Helena!

[@chrisoulalakkas7935]

Mindset is everything. Once you believe you can achieve something, you most likely will.

[@michelemarie2499]

You are perfectly inspiring ✨✨✨💕 Your voice too ✨🌈✨ Your pictures and vision Your dreams within and without Your convictions turned into reassurance That all will be well ... It feels as if you know As if you knew Thank you 💕🌈🕊

[@helenawoods]

beautiful writing!! What a voice 🥰💕

[@michelemarie2499]

Thank you very much ✨🌱🌿☘️✨

[@tamarasteurrijs1599]

Wauw.. Just what i needed. You inspired me sooooooooo much with this video!

[@gratefultess]

Hi Helena. How are you? I’m happy that you have a new video ✨😊

[@floricadunca6909]

Helena,I am really enjoying your lovely ideeas about life! It is like balm for my Hart !God bless you to worm up pur hearts!🙏✌️

[@lindahempenstall9870]

Love this video 💕

[@heidi1651]

Thank you, this was beautiful and helpful. Love to you. 💕

[@JilliansNL]

Oh helena this was amazing! thank you!

[@daniecedeveyra]

great video as always. greatful for the things you share with us

[@nadiasaoudi320]

merci helena pour tous ses moment magiques que vous nous partagez. 🌷

[@womanatthewell9603]

This reminds me of a passage written by Solomon the wisest man to ever live in Ecclestiaces 2. Apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ it is all worthless...

[@AdipatiNataMuhamad1966]

Thanks for the inspiration. keep the spirit

[@cozyrainydays6566]

I agree with this to an extent, I suppose. I believe ensuring your “self” and your sense of “self” is content, can cope and is self-assured is important. However, I believe there are times in life where we are meant to struggle, and work hard for something to pay off. We grow, we learn from this. It shouldn’t be a long-term, non-stop thing in your existence, but I believe especially in today’s world, you do have to often work hard for what you want.

[@anireseegam6128]

Working for something is not the same as trying to force something into being, that's just bashing your head against a brick wall

[@wildflowerwind6941]

Just love what you are wearing.

[@UCSF2023]

"Life will never fail you." "Feeling good in life is our job." These are fallacies. Life is difficult and it will absolutely fail us all, especially when our expectation is too "feel good." This young women is full of contradictions, and the soothing music and encouraging words belies the truth facing humanity. Her search will be endless until she finds her Creator, and the purpose our Lord and Savior alone has given to her through His redemptive work on the cross.

[@kimberlylalley7255]

Brilliant! Thank you.

[@rashmiama3119]

Thnq so much dear

[@laugregall8286]

💚💚💚 Human just being 💚

[@sukmarip.733]

Bravo 👏

[@peace_3326]

Hi Helena, thank you so much for your work. It’s so inspiring. On this video, would you mind sharing where this location is? Thanks,

[@helenawoods]

Bath England 🤗

[@patriziasokolic4927]

Love it 💙💜💚💖💚💜💙💖🍋🌞thank you

[@rebeccaasher5850]

Pure excellence.