In a sense, Buddhism states that the path to the fulfillment requires letting of desire. In fact the 4 Noble Truths state:

• Suffering exists

• Suffering has a cause (desire)

• Suffering has an end

• There is a path that leads to the end of suffering (eightfold path)

From my experience, when I let of material desires and cravings, I’m better able to fully experience the world and revel in the joy and gratitude it brings.

This isn’t to say you should suppress your desires. Instead, when you “listen” to your thoughts and “hear” a desire pulling you in a direction, just “watch” the desire. Imagine touching or interacting with it, and obtaining the result of the desire.

Then, it’s easier to realize that the desire won’t help you achieve fulfillment, so it is easier to let it go. As you constantly practice this, you are better able to let go of desire in the future and put yourself out there as your truest and most genuine self!