Finally, this week, I quit. Did you, yet?

Oh, this isn’t explicitly work-related. For some years, someone continued to misbehave. Criticize. Compare when the discussion wasn’t even relevant. Another intruded into my domain because they had a power backup. They misused that power and tried to deteriorate my image publicly. And then, recently, someone else told me I was “too sweet”.

They said this is why I find it hard to say no or to question when my ideas, feelings, concerns, values, or thoughts are dismissed and just considered trivial info. Another person highlighted my over-positivity despite all of this, which, while a positive trait, often leaves me getting neglected and taken for granted.

How does one maintain their positivity when they’re hurting? How do they continue to show kindness when others are cruel to them? How does one always adjust to others’ convenience?

Despite the pain, some people continue to put others first and express happiness when the others who hurt them receive love, care, empathy, protection, and appreciation, often at the expense of their own well-being.

Is it easy? No.
Then why do they continue to do this? Because these people, even though a few, are simply good, honest, and pure human beings.

People tell them to never give up. Go out of your way. Go beyond your boundaries. 
And they keep pushing with zero reciprocity and nil acknowledgment.

So, knowing when to quit this deliberate toxicity around you takes more strength. And self-awareness. And yes. It’s unbelievably shattering and heartbreaking.

But it’s about recognizing and actually accepting when something, or someone, is no longer there for us – maybe never was – and having the courage to walk away – mentally or even physically. It could be a person, place, situation, project, relation, or anything!

Quitting on someone or something opens you to embracing what you are meant to be and do. Let go when you need to.

This week, I have. And it has now allowed me to be firm on what I want and be there only for those who matter to me. Have you?

SCREENPLAY: Just Kidding!

Every one of us has a few ways and habits of living—which are just ours—and don’t affect anyone else. It is up to us, to change them once in a while—for ourselves. Also, if we change our ways of living once in a 100 times depending on situations, what’s the big deal in that?

Scene 1: Flashback

Ana’s parents are at Aadi’s house to discuss the wedding venue. Her parents usually avoid dinner or eating anything heavy at night. However, at Aadi’s place—with due respect to his family, her parents had dinner and also appreciated and praised the dishes.

‘Hello, yes, Ana. Your parents just left for your place. Hey by the way, you mentioned that your parents don’t eat at night, right? Let me tell you, they ate dinner—and ate a lot—and mind you, they even praised the dishes—as if they never ate such good dishes before… hahaha! And, AND… Your father even stuffed himself a lot with sweets! Unbelievable! You said he avoids sweets, right?’

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

‘Aadi, first of all—you’re talking about my parents so you need to mind your language. Second, they ate dinner because they respect your family members. And third, what’s the big deal if two families sit together and have lunch or dinner?’

‘Why the hell are you getting irritated? I am just kidding!’

Scene 2:

‘Hey, Ana. You got 8 chapatti cooked today? Why? You mentioned you always eat just two. That’s why we used to get 6 chapattis, right—4 for me and 2 for you?’

‘Yeah, it’s okay. If there’s some leftover, we will keep it for the cows.’

After dinner, just one chapatti was left.

‘Hey you ate 3 chapattis today, Ana? You always mentioned you eat just two. Why did you eat 3 today?’

‘What’s the big deal if I did? We had 8 already, didn’t we?’

‘Why are you annoyed? I am kidding!’

Scene 3: Ana had company and she prepared tea for all.

‘Why did you have tea, Ana? You always say that you don’t like tea and you’re a coffee person. Why did you have tea today? What happened?’

‘Well, everyone was having tea, so I just thought of giving them company.’

‘Yeah, but why? You said you don’t like tea. You could have made coffee for yourself. Why tea?’

‘Aadi what’s the big deal?’

‘No big deal. Why are you always annoyed? I am just kidding!’

Scene 4: Ana was occupied with office work even on weekends and Aadi was sitting there watching a movie. Ana thought of taking a break. She prepared soup for both of them and was sitting watching a scene in the movie.

‘Why are you watching the movie? You said you have a lot of work, didn’t you? How come you got time to watch the movie, Ana?’

‘I am just taking a break, Aadi.’

‘Break? How long? You said you have a lot to do.’

‘What’s the issue if I am watching the movie with you and taking a break?’

‘No issue! You need to calm down. I am just pulling your leg, Ana!’