‘It is important in life to let go of your past and remember to put the glass down.’
In my opinion, this is just a bit awkwardly phrased. Letting go is important, but of course you can't let go of the past, that wouldn't make any sense. However, it is almost always possible to let go of certain worries in the sense that the problem itself is not pushed aside, but rather allowed to remain if it persists, but with the understanding that it is neither necessary to solve the problem immediately and once and for all, nor – and I consider this particularly important – alone.
‘Put the glass down’ not only opens up the metaphorical image of letting go, but also raises the question: where to put the glass? Just drop it where it will shatter? That is certainly not what is meant and would probably not be helpful (if it were even possible – for example, by running away).
Controlled letting go of the glass requires putting the glass down. What could that mean? I think it could mean communication. And that means communication in two directions: with oneself and with others.
To yourself: write down exactly what the worry or stress is, how it affects you, what fears it promotes. This can help you see things more clearly. The writing does not have to be done in one go, nor does it have to produce a print-ready text. But it is entirely conceivable to negotiate the matter “fictionally”, in an invented story.
To others: talk to people you trust about the situation, ask them, so to speak, to let you put the glass down with them for a while, discuss with them how to move forward. Again, this does not have to result in an immediate and permanent solution, but especially with a long-term problem, it is helpful to know that you are not alone.
Yes, exactly. It is awkwardly phrased, which is why I tried to counter-argue the same point. You have put it another way by asking, "where to put the glass?" and I would simply say, where it belongs. Maybe on the counter, maybe back in the kitchen.
But if we leave aside the literal placement of the glass and instead think of it as you suggest, where do we "put" our worries, then I agree with your answer. That does align with mine: it is not about discarding or smashing the glass, but about placing it down in a way that helps us move on without being crushed under its weight. In that sense, communication, whether with ourselves or with others, becomes exactly the place the glass can rest.