Quitting IS An Option…Don’t Let a 100 Inspirational Quotes Lie To You
There are times when trying to keep going is actually dangerous. In those situations quitting is an option. So, where has this saying come from?
Since the boom in social media, there has been a huge influx of influencers peddling their philosophies. They span the whole range from exercise, diet, mental health, motivation, starting a side hustle, and so much more. Much of the advice is offered with the best of intentions, but sometimes it can cross the line into toxic. One that really annoys me is this…
I hate to tell these folks, but sometimes quitting is an option. If you keep going you will not necessarily find a way to make it happen. In fact, quitting is the only option if we want to stop ourselves from completely breaking down mentally, physically or emotionally.
Life Is Tough
I don’t have a particularly busy life compared to many people. I work full time, I have two writing clients I write for each week, and I write this blog. On top of that, I have regular household chores, although my husband does a large part of them.
In an attempt to improve my mental health, I’ve started looking at pagan spirituality and witchcraft to help me feel connected to something bigger. I also try to fit in exercise, but this is the thing that tends to slip first.
Once I do all these things and take time to take care of my six cats, relax and sleep, that’s most of the day gone. Sometimes I get stressed when I don’t fit in everything I want to. It can be challenging.
My Health
It’s no secret I also have a number of health problems. I’ve suffered from depression since I was about fifteen or even younger. I developed chronic fatigue eight years ago. Then, in June, I got Covid. It wasn’t a bad case. I felt crap, like I had a nasty chest infection for a few days, and then I got better. Well, sort of better.
Since Covid, my tiredness has been a lot worse. My asthma, which I have had since I was four, has been much worse. It’s usually entirely under control. Finally, I keep getting sick. Since June, I’ve had a UTI that became a kidney infection, thrush, a cold and a tummy bug. I feel crappy.
I have managed to keep doing my job, writing gigs and my blog but only just. I feel drained all the time. My sister and husband are telling me I need to take time off.
Under the “quitting is not an option” mantra, I should keep going. This is dangerous nonsense. Yes, to be successful in anything requires a fair bit of dedication and the drive to keep going. However, this doesn’t take into account an individual’s physical and mental health. Keeping going could actually lead to a breakdown.
Give Yourself A Break
If you take anything away from this article, please let it be this; quitting is an option! If you’re exhausted, ill, or just not feeling it, then quitting is absolutely ok. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or exhausted, here are a few tips to help you.
1) Breathe
Your breathing will speed up if you’re feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed. It can then trigger other physical responses in your body and make you feel worse. So, if you’re feeling like this, start by taking slow deep breaths for a few minutes. If you’re in a place where you’d feel uncomfortable, it’s fine to excuse yourself for a few minutes. Say you need to pop to the loo; no one would ever question it.
2) Set Boundaries
The reason many of us burn out is that we put pressure on ourselves to be there for everyone else, to never say no. This is wrong. You are a worthy, valuable and important person, and you deserve to make choices that benefit your own physical and mental health.
If you feel your needs aren’t being met, it’s time to set boundaries. Write a list of things you do that you don’t enjoy. Then, decide which ones you can stop doing altogether, and do not feel guilty about it. If others do need to be done, see if your partner, children, family or colleagues can take over instead.
Once you’ve gotten rid of a few activities, make a list of things you do like to do. Then, block out time every week and do them! Don’t allow the time to be filled with new things you don’t want to do. Make time for yourself. You deserve it; please believe that!
3) Journal
I’m not a big fan of keeping a diary, but when I feel close to the edge, writing does help. I just start. I don’t have a topic in mind, or what I want to cover. I let everything that’s bothering me pour out onto the page. When I’m done, I almost always feel better, sort of like lancing a boil and letting the pus drain away.
Sometimes I destroy the pages as soon as I’m finished. I tear them up or sometimes set them on fire and watch my problems burn to ash. It’s cathartic. Other times, I keep what I wrote and read it back when I feel better. I assess the cause of my negativity and search for pearls of wisdom. I want to see if there’s anything I need to change.
4) Be Kind To Yourself
If there is one thing that will transform your life, it’s learning to be kind to yourself. You deserve the same love and kindness you lavish on everyone else. You are a human being, not a robot, and you can’t just keep going. So, the next time you’re being hard on yourself, imagine a friend was telling you the same thing. Think about what you’d say to them, how much love and compassion you’d have in your heart.
Now comes the hard part! Turn it around and apply it to you. Try to really feel love and compassion for yourself, and give yourself a break. Self-love is so important in every part of your life. Chase it until you find it.
Quitting Is An Option
So, the next time you’re feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, remember quitting is an option and give yourself a break.
