embracing impermanence.

im·per·ma·nence: "the state of lasting for only a limited period of time."

The greatest and most healing lesson that life continues to teach me is that everything changes.

Understanding impermanence is a perspective that may not always be easy (from my experience) but is deeply healing. Especially when I find myself face-to-face with suffering or disappointment, let's face it: at some point, we will all face these things, whether in our friendships, relationships, work-life, or the death of a loved one. Suffering is just as much a part of the human experience as joy and happiness. Suffering, however, is not as easy to embrace. But, understanding impermanence and the simple fact that 'everything changes and nothing lasts forever' offers wisdom and can leave us with a better sense of peace and resilience.

I continue to learn, the most comforting lesson of impermanence is the understanding that everything changes. True under that emotions, circumstances, and even our relationships are constantly in flux. When we accept this truth, we can soften the blow of unexpected challenges. Instead of clinging to what was or resisting the changes that arise, we learn to flow with them. This doesn’t mean we care less or stop loving; it means we develop resilience that allows us to navigate the ebbs and flows of life with greater ease. More grace, compassion, and patience. I am constantly reminded of the words of Bruce Lee:

"Be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. Be water, my friend."

Living by this reminder, or coming back to this reminder when I have forgotten, gives me so much appreciation for the present moment. When I genuinely understood that nothing lasts forever, I learned to cherish even the simplest moments. Shared laughter, a hug, a conversation, gentle reassurance, the list goes on. All of these things become precious when we recognize that these experiences won’t last forever. By focusing on the present, we can savor what we have instead of taking it for granted. Be there.

"If you knew you couldn't get this moment back, what would you do differently?" Do that thing now.

I realized that this perspective has also helped me in letting go of unhealthy attachments. Maybe I am not alone. Maybe you reading this have also struggled with letting go of things that are not good for you. It’s natural to want to hold on to the people we love or the ideals we’ve built in our minds, right? But learn to abandon hope. If there's one lesson I learned later in life that I wish I had understood sooner, it's the importance of knowing when to release hope. That might sound disheartening at first, but consider this: hope is a guiding light, yet holding on too tightly (especially to hope that keeps us stuck) can create unnecessary suffering. True freedom comes when we allow things to unfold naturally, rather than forcing them to fit an expectation. and embrace gratitude when things change or end. You’re still growing and life is abundant even after loss. Gracefully lean in and embrace difficult emotions like pain and disappointment, and remember that they will pass. as all things do.

My complex emotions and experiences have shaped me and continue to help me heal and grow. I am reminded daily that life is precious precisely because everything is fleeting. Each moment, each connection, is a gift that leaves an imprint on our hearts.

As we navigate the ups and downs and ebbs and flows of life, human connection, and complex emotions, remember that loss doesn’t make life less significant. It makes it more sacred.

a little reminder: This, too, shall pass., and healing is always possible—peace by peace.

With grace and gratitude,

Han