The Six Simple Words That Taught Me to Let Go
Friends, I have a confession to make: I don’t like to let things go.
Opportunities. Behavior patterns. My ideas of how things are supposed to be — you name it. In fact, I can often be found clinging desperately to these lovely little intangibles well past their expiration dates for one simple reason: when I’m making decisions out of fear, joy feels like a limited resource.
The Six Simple Words That Taught Me to Let Go
Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today.— Mark Twain
When life gets scary, or I get panicky, I tend to go all Tim Gunn on my life, forcing square pegs into round holes and lipstick onto pigs, all in the name of MAKING IT WORK. And isn’t that exactly what the world expects us to do, after all – make it work? Slap some sequins on a garbage bag, send it down the runway and call it a day? Or a season? Or a life?
The problem with all this “making it work” is that somewhere between all the hustling and hoarding we manage to convince ourselves that what we see, in fact, is all there is.
And it’s in moments like those that this mantra has saved me:
There’s more where that came from.
Because the truth is, the sooner we choose to see our world as a place of abundance instead of lack, the sooner we can loosen our grip on the things that are no longer working. The sooner we surrender to the truth that our perspective is limited, the sooner we begin creating space for our faith to grow. And the sooner we allow ourselves to give away the very thing we’re most worried about losing, the sooner we find ourselves open enough to receive what it is we really need.
READ: Surrender: Let Go and Allow the Flow
So today, friends— let’s choose not to tighten our grip in fear, but to open our hearts in faith. Because whatever it is you’re afraid of losing (or may have already lost), I guarantee you — there’s more where that came from. More opportunity where that came from. More money where that came from. More time, more love, more grace where that came from.
The life you seek is also seeking you.
It just can’t find you in all the sequins.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.