I Want to Quit, But I Can’t!

I was recently reminded by a friend of how life can overwhelm and overtake us. We can get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget to pause. To breathe. When we are passionate about what we do or what we believe, we forge ahead with great energy, strength, and determination. At some point, we hit a wall that sends us spiraling into the great abyss of darkness.  The exhaustion can send us into a place of doubt, fatigue, and fear. We are so tired that we question our purpose and our choices. We reflect on our lives and the road(s) not taken. We start to ask why and if we have made the right choices.

From my friend’s letter, I recognized that she had reached that point. But rest, an honest conversation with a friend, and a word from her pastor changed her perspective. However, the contents of her letter made an impression on me, and I reflected on my own career and the moments when I faced “the wall.” I was reminded of the passions that had driven me into exhaustion, lack of motivation, and doubt. Sometimes, we forget to take care of ourselves. We ignore the signs because we believe that to take a break is a sign of weakness. It is not. Remember, after creating the world, the seventh day became the Sabbath ( a day of observation and abstinence from work).  God rested. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it, you shall not do any work, neither you nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your town. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. The Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:8-11.

In the busyness of our society, we have forgotten why the Sabbath was established. Our society has changed from the days of The Andy Griffith Show, where people went to church on Sunday, ate family dinner together, and relaxed on the front porch in the afternoon. Children ran from house to house and rode bicycles up and down the streets. Neighbors knew each other, encouraged one another, and conversed with one another. No one was worried about business because they were all closed on the Sabbath. It was a day when everyone rested. Perhaps, if we paused and remembered the purpose of the Sabbath, we could avoid running into that wall.

With some rest and a changed perspective, my friend gave thought to remaining true to self, not overcommitting (NO is one of the best words in the vocabulary), having a community, and seeing the goal (getting closer). There was great insight into her thought process, and because her letter caused me to pause, I took a step back to reflect and respond.

There is a balance in all that we do. When we are passionate about our purpose, we sometimes neglect ourselves, which can be detrimental to our physical, emotional, and spiritual psyche. Being a visionary, a trendsetter, and a go-getter requires very hard work, but the joy in the completion of the goal presents many rewards.

For those who are driven, we have attainable visions that impact our lives and others. However, in our process, we have to take time for ourselves, and sometimes that means taking a step back. Take a walk. Talk a nap. Watch something mindless on TV. Sit in the park and enjoy nature and soak up the sun. Take a mini  vacation or staycation. This means going somewhere alone for the weekend to rest, pray, write, and reflect. (Stay away from the phone).  No matter what the profession or goal may be, when we are weary and overwhelmed, we start thinking of the roads not traveled, and we get into our heads which is a dangerous place to be. But when you are close to bringing an impactful vision or goal into fruition, the enemy will try to intercede so that giving up is the only option, and he wins. How do we combat this attack? “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9. The strength of our faith sustains us.

When we meet that wall, and most of us will, the difference is who surrounds us.  Everyone needs a community that brings out your best selves, encourages you, listens to you, prays for you, does not judge you, and keeps the conversation honest. This is a community without jealousy, animosity, chaos, or drama because they pour into you to keep you from stagnating and withering. When you are feeling exhausted, fearful, doubtful, questioning,  and overwhelmed, it is okay to step back. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

Just remember,  every once in a while, take the time to breathe and rest!

CrayDawg, Inc. (c) 2024