Quitting the Thing

Make sure you have support when you're about to Quit Something. You may want a friendly presence while you're navigating the unfamiliarity of a new identity - the You After The Quitting. You may want help while you re-orient yourself among the bewilderment of others who would rather you didn't Quit the Thing. And their judgment. And their fear. When you Quit Something, you exercise a previously unappreciated, unseen power. It shakes people out of their complacence.

Those who are watching you Quit the Thing may, in turn, realize they possess the same, or similar, power. They, too, may Quit the Thing in solidarity. Those who are watching you Quit the Thing in fear may turn against you. Your Quitting the Thing is felt, by them, as a betrayal. Don't fall for it. When you decide to Quit the Thing, it doesn't say anything about your ability or willingness to Love A Person. But should they villainize you for Quitting the Thing, you must be prepared to quit them, too. There's mourning in that. You will need support as you grieve the casualties associated with Quitting The Thing.

When you decide to Quit the Thing, you must be mindful of how many things are attached to the Thing You're Quitting. Even if you're not prepared to Quit All Of It at once, it will require work to completely Quit the Thing in its entirety. The Thing You're Quitting is more familiar, more automatic, than whatever will eventually replace it. Remember why you're Quitting The Thing. Think about all those reasons when you'd prefer immediate relief from the strain of striving to be something new. Surround yourself with people who understand what you're trying for, who already love the emerging you.

Find the fortitude to question your status quo.