Angies Angle

“Let Them” theoryWhy stress?

By: Angie Mozqueda Prevention Specialist for The Jody Alise Foundation and Youth C.A.R.E.S.

During the recent Christmas break, my family and I indulged in a classic holiday tradition: watching Christmas movies. From the chaos of "Home Alone" to the humorous antics in "Christmas with the Kranks," each film brought its own laughter and nostalgia. However, as I watched "Christmas with the Kranks," I found myself reflecting on deeper themes that resonate well beyond the screen.

For those unfamiliar with the film, it tells the story of a married couple whose only child is heading off to the Peace Corps. Faced with the prospect of celebrating Christmas without their daughter for the first time in 20 years, they decide to “skip Christmas” and embark on a cruise instead.

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choice, which seems like a calm and stress-free way to cope, quickly spirals into chaos when their small-town community learns about their plans. The couple’s decision to forgo the traditional festivities offends neighbors, friends, coworkers, and even strangers, leading to a wave of backlash.

This prompted me to ponder: why does the entire town feel so affected by this couple's choice to take a vacation? What is it about this couple skipping Christmas that stirs such strong emotions? As I reflected on these questions, I recognized a familiar pattern in our own community.

In many small towns, places like Roundup, tradition often holds a sacred place in the hearts of residents. A simple change—such as rescheduling a Christmas stroll or consolidating Fourth of July parades—can ignite passionate responses. The phrase “That’s how it’s always been done” echoes in conversations, revealing a resistance to change that can sometimes feel suffocating. It’s not uncommon for people to react dramatically, allowing personal feelings about decisions that shouldn’t affect them to spill over into public discourse, often amplified through social media.

A powerful new philosophy is on the rise: "Let them." This concept is not just a passing trend; it is a transformative approach that urges people, human kind, to simply “mind your business “ thus maintaining their own peace of mind. It's time to move beyond the outdated mantra of “this is how we’ve always done it,” which has stifled innovation and personal expression for far too long. Embracing this Change is a natural part of progress, perspective can lead to a more empathetic and understanding environment where people feel free to make their own choices without fear of judgment.

Long-time residents must recognize that as younger generations bring fresh ideas to the forefront, the need for flexibility and understanding is paramount. We are at a pivotal moment where embracing change can lead to a more vibrant community. The power of letting go—of relinquishing the need to control how others live their lives—is essential. It's about embracing diversity in thought and action. We don’t need to agree with every change, but we can certainly choose to respect others’ choices without compromising our own happiness.

Psychologists affirm that adopting a mindset of acceptance significantly enhances emotional well-being. By choosing not to take every difference personally, we can cultivate a community grounded in mutual respect rather than rigid conformity. Life is far too short to be burdened by the decisions of others.

As we welcome new faces and fresh perspectives, it is crucial for residents to embrace this philosophy wholeheartedly. Celebrate the uniqueness that each individual contributes and remember that letting things unfold naturally is not only okay—it’s essential. “Let them” is more than just a phrase; it is a pathway to harmony, growth, and a thriving community.

Next time you find yourself reminiscing about the "good old days," I challenge you to embrace the new instead. Let go of the need to control everything, and be open to the experiences and ideas that others bring to the table. A little flexibility can lead to a more connected and fulfilling life for everyone in our community.

Have you ever faced a situation where you made a personal choice—like deciding to stop attending church—and others reacted as if your decision was somehow their business? It can be frustrating when people choose to take your decisions personally, often turning it into a narrative that affects how they view you or even how they talk about you to others. Ultimately, all anyone should do is respect your choice.

When someone gets so upset about your personal decisions that it impacts them, it can indeed feel like a form of entitlement. Wouldn't you agree? It's time for everyone to move forward together and stop making personal choices that feel like personal attacks. Let's focus on our own paths rather than getting worked up over things that don’t directly involve us. I encourage us all to “Let them.”