When It Is Time to Go!

We've all been there, a situation that tears at our self-esteem, our creativity, and our self-respect. It could be a job, a relationship, a friendship, a group. When do we know when it is time to leave? How do we balance the commitment versus our very own sanity? It's a tough call. Afterall, did we not sign up for the situation we are in? One way or another, we voluntarily signed-up for it. Some time have passed and it has turned into a negative situation. How do we know it is time to go? There are a few questions I ask myself when I am faced with this dilemna.

• How did I contribute to this negative situation? Honesty with myself allows me to learn and grow. The lessons learned are an invaluable take-away from any problem we encounter and resolve. Did I do my part that I committed to? Was I honest and forthright with my dealings with others? If I have been at fault, I quickly correct the negativity I am adding to the situation and see if that resolves the issues.
  
• What am I gaining by remaining in an oppressive situation. People and situations are in our lives to teach us some things we need to learn and grow. Is there anything that a particularly difficult situation is teaching me? Patience? Commitment? Consideration? Take some time to really understand what it is that I need to learn and learn it quickly.
  
• What price am I paying to maintain the status-quo? Change is always uncomfortable. Sometimes, people stay in relationships, jobs, friendships for a very long time because leaving or changing creates such a stress that we force ourselves to tolerate that which we shoud not. When we have done our best, and the other parties involved are not willing to do their part to solve issues, we pay a very high price for staying. It could be a loss of creativity and sponteinity. Watching your back is a very stressful and consuming task. Constantly weighing what you do or say drains the fun out of life. What about self-esteem and self-respect? Allowing others to disrespect you destroys your own self-respect and self-esteem. Pretty soon, you will start to doubt your own strengths, your own decisions, your own self-worth. Too high of a price to pay.
  

It is time to leave when:- You are obsessed with the negativity and misery. You wake up thinking about it, you go to bed thinking about it. You know you are being consumed with the negative situation. When your energy is focused on this, you will lose the energy necessary to focus on what is good and empowering.- You can honestly say you have done your best and can do nothing else to better the situation. Sometimes, we just need to call it quits to save what is left of our energy.- You start to doubt your own worth and abilities. Negative situations and people will drain you of your Mahal Spirit. Do not let them.- You have taken a good look at the situation and have grown from the lessons it offers.

How do you leave:- Count the cost. Refuse to pay more out of your own self-respect.- Realize that you deserve to be treated better- Find an alternative. Create new friendships, join a positive group, start looking for a new job.- Have a support system of loving, positive people. They will remind you that you are worth a whole lot more than what you are getting from the situation you are faced with.- Devote your time, efforts, energy, and resources where it is appreciated.

The Bible tells us not to cast our pearls to the swines. Therefore, realize that you are valuable and do not allow others to trample on your beautiful spirit.