“To gain something, first let something go”—have you ever felt resonated with this phrase? We all have many things we wish to do and dreams we want to achieve. However, at the same time, we feel the limitations of time and energy. In the pursuit of everything, isn’t it easy to lose sight of what truly matters to us?

As someone who practices parallel living, enjoying multiple careers and lifestyles simultaneously, aiming for self-realization, I’ve keenly felt that to try something new, we must first let go of something else. And it’s the courage to “let go” that enriches our lives.

The Freedom Gained by Letting Go
The term “let go” might sometimes be perceived negatively. However, it’s not merely abandonment but a choice to discover new values. We all have limited time. For those who feel overwhelmed by too many interests, how you use this limited time is your most critical challenge.

The essence of parallel living lies in prioritizing what is valuable to oneself and deciding to let go of the rest. I myself am involved in many activities—work, hobbies, family, friends, and volunteering—and it’s impossible to manage all perfectly. Therefore, I regularly ask myself, “What do I really want to prioritize now?”

Follow Your Heart, Not Others’ Expectations
Living within society, we are often influenced by others’ expectations and common societal values. However, continually meeting these expectations can sacrifice our true desires. I value living according to my own heart, not others’ expectations. And it becomes possible when we have the courage to let go of what we don’t need.

For instance, if you have been engaged in a hobby for many years but no longer find joy in it, there’s no need to continue out of obligation. If switching that time to something new or more enriching allows for personal growth, that is truly “gaining by letting go.”

Relationships Also Warrant Reevaluation
We all have numerous relationships. Some may drain our energy. In such cases, having the courage to either take distance or end the relationship is part of “letting go.” By spending more time with people who positively influence us, we can feel more emotionally stable and happy.

Succeeding in Parallel Living
Making daily choices about what to prioritize and what to let go is key to succeeding in parallel living. Finding that balance is crucial, and these decisions are not one-time events. I, too, periodically pause to reflect on my life, work, and dreams. It’s a time for self-growth and the first step towards discovering new values.

Why not take a moment to reassess what’s “truly necessary” and what’s not in your current life? I hope you can experience the freedom and fulfillment that comes from letting go.

To Those Who Resonate
If you’ve felt a connection with this article, please share it. In our myriad choices, there are moments when we must let go of something to protect what’s important—even if it requires courage. The rewards of taking that step are immense.

I hope our ways of living and values spread further, creating a wider circle of empathy. Let’s continue to walk fearlessly into new choices as fellow practitioners of parallel living.