NOT PERFECT - As Humans we can't Control Everything - Let Go

As humans we are always trying to control everything. We think we have the ability to change anything that crosses our path and believe we have the capability to handle it to our perfect satisfaction every time.

But there is something important to be learned from the art of letting go. Walking away from certain situations and painful memories is a step forward. It is hard to let go and move on, but once we do, we are freed from the emotional shackles that were holding us back. When we stop expecting life to be perfect, for people to be the best they can be, we learn to appreciate both life, and the people in our lives, for what and who they are.

"Some people believe that holding on and hanging in are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more courage to know when to let go."―Ann Landers

Filmed in Tulbagh, South Africa.
Featuring Michael Canfield.

To hear more of Michael's music, visit:

All of our films are made possible through the generous support of our patrons.

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Who is Green Renaissance? We are Michael and Justine - passionate filmmakers, living off-grid and dedicating our time to making films that we hope will inspire and share positivity out into the world.

Editing - by Jackie Viviers
Sound mix - by Tamryn Breakey

I’m Alright - by Canfield/Frost/Thayer (Sheer Publishing)
Serenata a la Luna - by Yehezkel Raz
We are Endless - by Evert Z
You're Not Alone - by Andrew Word
Dont Wake Me Up - by Josh Leake
Song of Songs - by John Carter
Michael Canfield's guitar - Fanner Guitar Works

A huge thank you to these guys, who so generously gave of their to time to help with language translations:
Arabic - by Mohammad Alkhudhair
Catalan - by Pau Zabaleta
Croatian - by Davor Bobanac
Czech - by Pavla Látalová
English - by Justine du Toit
French - by Natalia Hoffsteter
Georgian - by Qeti Giorgadze
German - by Tanja Pütz
Hebrew - by Sea-van Rachel
Hindi - by Parul Sharma
Indonesian - by Ary Nuansa
Italian - by Vincenzo Mocerino
Korean - by Chloe Park
Persian - by Mona Zadsham
Polish - by Anna Konieczna
Portuguese - by Jonatha Koeller
Romanian - by Nelia Stoyanova
Russian - by Assiya Marzhanova
Slovak - by Zuzana Beratsova
Slovenian - by Jasmina Kovačič
Spanish - by Marianne Carrere
Turkish - by Ahsen Aygören
Vietnamese - by Thi Le

[a.b.]

Wow... This changed something for me. It clicked.
"If I get up in the morning and it's raining, I think I'll let it..."
I will be letting it, from now on. Thank you <3

[TIMG]

At the moment I am broken. I am lonely and I am sad. BUT. I will rise again. The sun will come out again and I will love again.

[emmabeluchi]

Watched this video like 4 times.. woke up with tears in my eyes, but somehow this was able to lift my mood.. I'm alright .. I'm alright.. I'm alright.

[jinwoo]

I'm just 23 years old, but I don't feel as young as my age indicates. I live by the saying, "nothing is new under the sun". It really is the truth. I have no reason to believe that another human being hasn't experienced what I've felt before.

But this gentleman's story reminds of the simple truths in life that I learned once, and conveniently forgot. I got lost in the haze and the storm of modern life. My happiness really is within my control, and what is within my control is always within my possibility to achieve. I had to remind myself that my happiness doesn't come when troubles stop, when I get the chance to just sit back and breath, and it doesn't come when I do a good job and get good grades. I made the mistake of giving external things the control over my peace and happiness, things which are supposed to be derived internally.

Never is this lesson more painfully resonant than in this saying by Fyodor Dostoevsky: “Your worst sin is that you have destroyed and betrayed yourself for nothing.”

I have, indeed, betrayed myself; destroyed and betrayed myself for nothing. For what? For external factors like success, fear of failure, and the validation of man. Nowadays, my fear of failure, of worldly failure, has entombed me in a state of bondage that is of my own doing.

But now that I know the truth, the truth shall indeed set me free. I'll throw off these shackles and walk free, no matter how bloodied and painful the journey is.

[thomasdecarlo]

These people are the salt of the earth. Maybe if we could get back to this we and this earth might stand a chance. Thank you for sharing

[gregheaney]

It’s amazing how dogs play such an important role in healing a wounded soul.

[hope]

all I wanna say is THANK YOU, thank you for this I gain strength to live.

[charlescurtis]

I like "shared humanity".We are not separate

[tillyvickers]

I got goosebumps...😊🥰
Your videos last about 15 minutes, but I give them an hour...
I feel like a student attending a BEAUTIFUL LESSON ON LIFE, taking notes, reading, savouring them, until I feel alright.🙂❤❤
Thank you!!!!This gentleman is an inspiration.🥰🌈🌈🌈

[flamingo]

What an absolute beautiful soul and Inspiration Michael is. So many of us have struggled with feelings of unworthiness. Thank you, Michael, for shining your light! I loved your song at the end. Thank you Green Renaissance for bringing these lovely, genuine people to us 🙏🏼❤️🤗

[sunshinecreativity]

So good that you found yourself while you can still enjoy the life lived responsibly.

[catherineoconnor]

Your videos are a light in the dark, a signpost on a deserted path, water when I’m thirsty, food when I’m hungry; they are magic, pure magic …

[dancingwind]

Being a human being, not just a human doing, has led me to see more clearly as my authentic self and over come a life of conditioning. Going through each day being more present in each moment, beings much joy and freeing thoughts and joy filled actions. I rest my head at night so grateful for what I have and knowing I have done my best.

[ReynaSingh]

A beautiful message. Life is always good even when it doesn’t seem so

[coffeeinbrazil]

People who speak with the language of Love are intelligent!❤️🙏🏽🌷⭐

[JennySiede]

I hear him, let go of judgment, happy he's living his authentic life. This message is timely. The essence of us is love.

[washingtonluizferreiradeso]

These stories are transformative and inspiring. I'm sure this wonderful work has saved many lives. I am eternally grateful to all of you. Stand firm.

[dakotaovdan]

What a nice message 😊 I hear imposter syndrome affects many successful people. He is a kind soul.

[deborahjohnson]

Glad that Michael is “alright tonight “. Music is a great gift, but it seems the more successful a person becomes the greater the pressure is. I am glad that he was able to find peace and still use his gift. Beautiful sky photography in this one! Thank you.

[jayihsan]

Truth lies within. So does the courage to face and live it. Healing happens when letting go means you're at peace, both with yourself and life.
So true that life is all about love. Never forget love.