Breaking the Stigma of Quitting
Over the course of my life, I have participated in countless activities in an effort to try something new, such as ice skating or violin, but there were some activities I did for years, like dance and swim. Once the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I found myself quitting those activities not only because they were closed, but because I was burnt out. I spent most of the lockdown feeling guilty for quitting after spending so much time and effort towards becoming the best I could be in those areas. Over the past couple of years, I realized that there is nothing wrong with quitting, and your past doesn't define you.
In the area I grew up in, it is very common for parents to place their children in as many extracurriculars as they can so their child can be “well-rounded”. There are pros to doing that, such as keeping children busy and helping them find what they are passionate about later down the road. Though, in my case, it backfired. I felt incredibly stressed trying to perfect everything I was doing, and by the end, I was a jack of all trades, but master of none. I felt insecure about not knowing what I wanted to pursue with passion, while all of my peers had multiple avenues they loved. The stigma of quitting needs to be broken because it is okay to restart. Quitting has such a negative connotation, but in retrospect, there is so much potential and hope that comes with it. It is what we choose to do with the fresh start that defines us, not the act itself. Everyone has their own reasons for quitting something they once loved, and it is imperative we don’t shame them for their choices.
I think that these feelings can be summed up in the common phrase: it is never too late to try something new. Regardless of anyone's situation, it is always great to try something different and out of your comfort zone! Take me as an example, after sulking and feeling lost, I impulsively decided to try learning the piano, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made! For the past two years, I have been practicing and dedicating my time to playing the piano, and I can confidently say I found something I am passionate about. There might be a chance that passion will change as I grow, but for now I am happy with where I am. Quitting wasn’t necessarily a bad thing in my case, but starting to evaluate the amount of time and effort being put into a passion or hobby will be beneficial for anyones’ future.
