The Day I Quit

I quit something a couple of weeks ago. It may not mean much, but I was not raised to be a quitter.

And I have no regrets.

A couple of years ago, I set out to partner with a company and attempt to start my own business. To say it did not take off would be an understatement, so I put it on the back burner.

As a part of my degree program, I took classes on leadership and learning about myself and what kind of leader I am. The reason I failed so gloriously in my “start up”? I, essentially, was responsible to myself alone. I can do things by myself and excel! But, when it comes to things that mean money? I need a team to partner with. I need a “boss” of sorts to help me figure out what I am doing. I learned, in this endeavor, I am not good at being my own boss.

But that wasn’t what I quit. I mean, yeah, I stopped trying to market myself as a business entity, but no. I quit something else.

I quit trying to live a life others wanted me to live.

I was not raised to be a quitter. I was raised to be strong, resilient, persistent. And I am all those things! Somewhere along the way, though, I started letting my value be wrapped up in what I did for others, in how others saw me, in losing myself to gain their love.

THAT is what I quit.

And looking back, I’m sad I didn’t do it sooner.