We live in a society where so much of what we hear and see is about success, progression, moving forward and achievement. We often hear people talking abut the goals in their life, the things they are working towards or the next steps they are taking. While this can be positive and it can also help people to feel better in themselves. There is also a time and place for recognizing when something isn’t working or when something doesn’t feel right.
Whether it be a relationship, a job, a course or a goal or target someone is trying to work towards. It is always ok to stop and reflect and during this process of reflection, it is also ok to decide and conclude that something isn’t working for you.
Saying no or ending something, walking away, or deciding to stop. It isn’t failure. It is simply a case of doing what feels right for you – and knowing that the decision is the best decision you could make at the time. Meaning ultimately, it is the right decision for you.
So often people won’t walk away from unhappy relationships because they feel that they are failing in some way. So often people won’t step back from a job where they feel unfulfilled because they think they might be a failure for doing so. There are often a lot of people that will keep going with courses and focus on completing something – even if it isn’t making them happy – simply because they don’t want to be seen as failing.
- But what would it be like to stop?
- How would it feel to say no?
- What would it look like to leave?
- How would it be to end something that isn’t working?
- How would you feel if you walked away from something that wasn’t serving you anymore?
- How would you feel if you said goodbye to someone that wasn’t adding to your life anymore?
Imagine what that might be like for a moment.
Press pause and reflect on your own life right now. Where are you at? What is going well and what is currently working for you? How do you feel things are going? Who adds to your life and who complicates it more?
Take your time to ask yourself these valid and important questions. You might be surprised at the answers you find.
I am a big believer in active positive change. I work hard to help people to achieve goals and to work towards the things that make them feel good. I know the importance of working at relationships and the changes that can take place to improve them. This can be applied to all areas of life. There is always room for improvement.
However, I also know the importance of being able to stop. I know when enough is enough and when the time comes for saying, that’s it now. I need to step back and look after myself. To make myself a priority and to ensure that I matter. Its time to choose those things and the people that bring out the best in me, and to let go of the things that no longer serve me. It isn’t easy but it is possible.
So, if you look around and you find that there are things that you need to stop then start the process. After all it isn’t failure – how can it be when you are simply prioritizing your own needs and wellbeing. Move forward with your life. Make the changes that you need too. Remember how much you are worth and step by step you will see a brighter and more positive way of living.