The idea that “you can only lose what you cling to” is a powerful reminder of how attachment shapes our experiences and emotions. We often hold on tightly to things — people, objects, beliefs, or even past versions of ourselves — believing that they define us or that we can’t be whole without them.

But the more we cling to things, the more vulnerable we become to the pain of losing them. Whether it’s a job that defines our sense of purpose, a relationship we rely on for our happiness, or material possessions we use to measure success, the act of clinging creates a sense of dependency.

The tighter we hold on, the more we set ourselves up for the possibility of loss, and with it, the fear that comes with it.

However, when we learn to loosen our grip on these attachments, we also free ourselves from the constant anxiety of loss. This doesn’t mean we stop caring or stop valuing the things that matter to us, but rather that we stop identifying so closely with them.

We begin to realize that our worth and peace don’t come from external things but from within. This shift in mindset allows us to navigate life with more ease, knowing that while change and loss are inevitable, they don’t define who we are.

By accepting the impermanence of things, we learn to cherish moments and relationships without the fear of losing them. We find strength in the fluidity of life rather than in trying to control it.

In letting go of our attachments, we discover a kind of freedom that was always within us. The less we cling, the more we are able to live fully in the present moment, appreciating what we have without the constant weight of fear.

We realize that losing something doesn’t mean we’ve lost ourselves. Instead, it becomes an opportunity for growth, renewal, and deeper understanding. Ultimately, the only things we truly lose are the attachments that no longer serve us.

When we let go, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, a lighter heart, and a more resilient spirit, free from the burden of clinging to what we can’t keep forever.

I always keep my promises: Karen Reid