In 2016, the South Korean vessel Sun Peony, carrying 7,800 tonnes of liquid chemicals, was sailing from Thailand to Taiwan. However, it encountered a typhoon, and the fierce waves damaged the forward cargo hold, causing water to flood in. In desperation, the crew attempted various methods to pump the water out, but they were unsuccessful. As the front of the ship continued to sink, the captain made a decisive choice: he ordered the jettisoning of cargo. “Jettison” is a maritime term referring to the act of throwing cargo overboard to lighten a ship when it faces the risk of sinking.
By discarding 370 tonnes of cargo into the sea, the ship gradually regained its balance and safely reached its destination. Letting go of 370 tonnes not only saved the remaining 7,400 tonnes of cargo but also preserved the lives of the crew and the safety of the vessel itself.
In our lives, there are moments when we, too, must let go. Sometimes, it’s not just material possessions but something within us that needs to be released. Letting go is never easy, but it can be a wise choice to protect what truly matters.
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