Maybe we’re in a relationship, romantic or otherwise, that has become highly dysfunctional but we’re too afraid to leave for fear of being alone or hurting the other person’s feelings.
Maybe we’re in a job where personal growth has long since ceased or our contributions are not well appreciated, yet the thought of making a major career shift virtually paralyzes us.
Maybe we’re a long-time member of a group that has drifted from its original purpose or lost its ability to make things happen, but we feel an obligation to try to fix it even when we know it’s neither possible, nor the best use of our scarce time and energy.
Maybe we get behind a leader “for the good of the cause” but come to see that the behaviors that rub us the wrong way–or we feel compelled to disavow completely–are revealed to be his deeply held beliefs and character defects.
Our heart usually tell us it’s time to get out way before our brain does its more careful and deliberate work.
When we let go of the past, the need to be right, the worry about what others might think –and the somewhat pathological urge to fix everything–our burden is lightened and our path becomes far more clear.
The exits are clearly marked.
The challenge is to muster up the courage to walk out the door.
I got here as fast as I could 