My work requires me to travel, but in the past few weeks, I was able to come home and work because of the current virus situation. I left my hotel and headed to the airport for my final trip back. I caught a ride-share and on the way, the driver and I engaged in a conversation.
The driver was a very distinguished older gentleman who dressed nicely and was very well-spoken. We chatted for a while, and then he asked me, “What is the one golden nugget you can give me about what you have learned from life?” I told him, “To me, the answer was straightforward, ‘just keep going.'”
He then looked at me through is review mirror, and he said, “I thought everyone says, ‘Never give up.’?” I told him I look at things differently. Let me explain.
I believe there are times we need to give up on some situations. For example, if you are in a bad relationship, there comes a time when you need to give up and move on. If you are in a bad-fit job and you are miserable, then do what you need to do to figure out what you want your future to be, and leave the bad job behind. Life is not good when we are hurting or miserable. Only you can change the course of your life!
There are times when you have to give up on some people who are bad for you. I know some people do not want the best for you: those who disrespect you, and those who do not want to see you succeed. I have very little tolerance for those who disrespect me, anyone, or anything. I feel very strongly that if we allow someone to treat us poorly, then we are allowing someone to disrespect us. As one of my terrific friends would way, “Do not allow someone to put you on the basement bargain rack. Bring yourself up to the top and never let someone put you down to the basement level again!”
I’ve been around so many people, whereby their current situation affects their health. You have to be in tune with yourself, know what makes you happy, and not someone else in your life, which is one-sided and wants you to only believe in what makes them happy.
I truly understand how hard it is to move forward. Change is one of the hardest things to do sometimes, but as I have gotten older, I realized that nobody is going to make me happy but me. Yes, you can find someone you enjoy being around. I believe in healthy relationships. But a healthy relationship is not one whereby someone is telling you what makes you happy and what you need to do. A need should come from inside of you.
Of course, if you have a significant other, you do need to consider them in your decision to move forward, but if you have the right person in your life, they will understand and let you do what is right for you, not them. Your significant other should want the same thing as you and trust you to make the right decisions for both of you. If your partner is happy and you are happy, then it will be a healthy relationship. Negotiation is a critical link to make a union work.
I believe no matter where life takes us, the one thing we all need to do is to keep going. Just because life throws obstacles in your way doesn’t mean you stop. The hardest thing you will ever do in life is to make a change to make your experience better.
So give up on those things that weigh you down in life. Fight for you and what makes you happy. And always remember, ‘JUST KEEP GOING!’
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the publisher or any entity whatsoever for which the author is affiliated.
“Success is never definitive, failure is never fatal; it is the courage to continue that matters.” (Winston Churchill).
We know we can’t get stuck, moving forward is often the only option we have. However, let’s do it in the best way: without fleeing from ourselves and from this internal environment of emotions that like a house in disorder needs our attention, order, oxygen and a change.
Here’s the secret to moving forward! Let us start our life path again with an updated, strong and hopeful version.
Wow, fantastic insight. Thank you so much for your thoughts. You are spot on!! Moving forward…..I love your guidance! Robin
Very well said, Robin! Unfortunately, most of us remember the advice never to give up, but conveniently forget the mantra to ‘keep going.’ I am sure we have all had situations where frustration kept raising its head because somebody else tried controlling our interest. It could be within the family, at the place of work, or the circle of dearest friends, immaterial. Sooner we realize the significance of independent decision-making, the faster we shall be able to heed your valuable advice.
I have always followed one crucial principle: I AM THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN MY LIFE. Why? Because the Universe exists for me only so long as I am alive; once I die, so will the World, with me.
In my culture, there is a pearl of age-old wisdom: ‘Listen to others, but act per your conscience.’ I learned this at a relatively young age. The over-riding reason is that I must always be answerable for my actions instead of blaming others.
Accordingly, I have gotten rid of many ‘friends,’ ‘relatives,’ and the so-called ‘well-wishers throughout the years. Naturally, my undefeatable urge to keep going has kept me in good stead so far.
Thank You, With Warm Regards, and A Prayer for All!
BM
Love, love, love your outlook. You are so right. You ARE the most person in your life. Well said. I too have rid myself of friends and family who are not good for me. Thank you for your wisdom! Robin