Reflections on the Tao Te Ching Chapter 5

Heaven and Earth are impartial
They regard myriad things as straw dogs
The sages are impartial
They regard people as straw dogs
The space between Heaven and Earth
Is it not like a bellows?
Empty, and yet never exhausted
It moves, and produces more
Too many words hasten failure
Cannot compare to keeping to the void

Source: taoism.net/tao-te-ching-online-translation

​Simply focusing on the external world will lead to exhaustion, a feeling of emptiness inside. Nothing in the outside world can bring lasting happiness, everything there is impermanent. Flowers fade, friends die, loved ones move away. When you realise this it is easier to let go. Recognise the inner work has much to offer as well.
Only speak when needed, not just for the sake of talking. Be comfortable with silence. Let go of the need to fill every space. Spaciousness brings peace whether within or without.
Nature is abundant. Things grow without us needing to do anything. It meets all our needs even when it appears to be destructive. The only thing that can’t be shaken is true faith. Connect to the inner world and nothing outside can affect you. When you realise everything is essentially empty you will laugh and say ‘What on earth was I worrying for?’ Worrying is pointless. It doesn’t change anything.
Acceptance is not passive. It is letting go of the need to be in control. Choose mastery instead. Choose love. Choose faith. There is always a higher choice even when a situation seems hopeless. It’s up to you what you choose. No one else can make that decision for you. Letting go, true surrender, leads to eternal peace and recognising the only time is now, the present moment. That is all there is and all there was and all there ever will be.