There, I said it.
Those three little words have been sitting on the tip of my tongue for a while now. Not because I feel weak or defeated—but because sometimes, saying “I give up” is the most powerful thing we can do for ourselves. Very much up there with forgiving.
For so many years, I have persevered. . I’m one who who will figures out a challenge, who pushes through, and who would make things happen no matter what. It’s how I built my business, my career, and my reputation. After all, It is my business and in business life, we push. We hustle, we try to make everything work…..even when it’s breaking us down. We convince ourselves that if we just hang on a little longer, success will come, peace will come, clarity will come…this will come, that will come. Yet, letting go is actually the key!
What people don’t always see (as you know), is the toll that kind of drive can take—the exhaustion, the second-guessing, the endless pressure to do it all and be it all.
There comes a point where you realize… some things just aren’t meant to be forced.
So today, I’m giving up.
- I’m giving up the need to have all the answers.
- I’m giving up trying to please what I have no control of
- I’m giving up holding onto what no longer serves me or the direction I’m meant to go.
All of this doesn’t mean I’m quitting, it doesn’t mean I’m depressed—it means I’m clearing space. It means it’s that time of year when I let go of things I’ve been hanging onto which, doesn’t really benefit me or my Business. Because I believe…when you give up what’s not meant for you, you open the door to what is.
I’ve realized over many years, giving up can actually be an act of growth. It’s saying, “I trust myself enough to let go.” That’s not failure—it’s freedom.
When you think about the things you worry about, the burdens you carry, and the stress you endure in an attempt to make everything perfect….think about what you really have control over. I have recognized when I let go of the things I don’t have control of…..
- I feel better mentally
- I’m not as fatigued
- Things just seem to fall into place.
I choose this time to share this with you because it is part of my seed planting time. I know, for many of you in the Salon, it’s your busiest time of year and you should focus and take advantage of that. However, you should also make a point to choose a time during the year when YOU give up and seed plant and make a new, refreshing plan to move forward.
So, if you’ve been feeling tired, stretched thin, or just… done, maybe it’s time to say those words too. I give up. Not because you’ve lost—but because you’re finally ready to win on your own terms.
CJ Murray, President
