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Jul 16Liked by Julia Gray

I loooove the phrase "do what keeps you soft." Amazing!

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Yes -- I don't even like the term "quit." I first learned this lesson while teaching in Uruguay at age 23. I'd committed to the full year, but there were a host of unforeseen factors that quickly pushed me past my breaking point. A smarter me, now, would have walked away as soon as the bait and switch was apparent. But I was raised to finish what I started, and it cost me something then. I left at the seven month mark and do not regret it.

In the context of relationships, phrases like "quitting" or "giving up" are even less meaningful. No need to bloody yourself repeatedly against a wall that can't be moved. At the risk of growing windy on the subject, this is an interesting debate among contestants on the show "Alone." Is it nobler to voluntarily walk off the set under one's own strength? Or can you only know that you gave your all by holding out until the medical team pulls you so your kidneys don't fail? I hear you making a case for the former.

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Yes! Love this nuance around the language for "learning/adapting/changing direction/decision-making". Not only is there nothing wrong with learning, re-evaluating, and doing something different, it's actually a good thing!

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I love how you said quitting isn’t giving up.

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It really isn't! Just changing directions...

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