empowerment & inspiration ... all for you
march 4, 2016

reflection section

when do we quit?

Driving along the intercoastal in Florida on an extremely windy day, jacket-chilly kind of weather, we passed by a very determined paddleboarder in the water. Donned in a wetsuit and cap, kneeling on the board, she was paddling her heart out, into the wind, propelling herself with her arms. It was 59 degrees and that water HAD to be cold. It looked challenging to paddle into the wind.

I wondered, when would she decide to quit? Maybe she couldn't until she reached her pier where she had parked or car. Maybe she couldn't until she paddled back to the pier near where she lives. Or maybe she was training for an event and couldn't quit until she worked out that day for a specific amount of time.

Maybe YOU are in something that you cannot quit? (Or can you?) We can quit a team, we can quit on love, we can quit a job, we can quit playing cruise director, we can quit on a so-called friend, we can quit smoking or drinking, and if you read last week's SNIPPETS, we can quit our complaining.

I quit reading books half-way through if they aren't written well. Sometimes I want to quit halfway through an exercise class, but I force myself to continue. Certain things are not quit-able, however: parenthood ... breathing ... what else?

We want to quit something when we physically or emotionally burn out on it. We just can't go on. (Or can we?)

A few weeks ago, beach yoga started out with good enough weather, yet dark clouds rolled in during our 75-minute class. The drizzle was doable, yet then the drops increased. Usually barefoot, we were all in socks against the chilly morning. Eventually our socks were soaked. The yoga instructor didn't mention stopping the class; so we continued to bend, hold, and balance. And we finished. And it was fine.

How do we know when to quit something in life? What is the breaking point? How do we know when to toss in the towel?

If we're uncomfortable, is it then that we stop?

If we're unhappy - is it then?

Or do we wait it out, keep plugging along, forging ahead, marching through, knowing the uncomfortable part will end - that it's all TEMPORARY - and push through to the other side?

Do we muster all of our strength? Or do we weenie out at the slightest bit of trouble? How do we know when to quit? At what point is it time? And how do we know when to keep hanging in there?

One of our sons worked very very hard at playing baseball for many years; it was his true and deep passion, his aspiration in life. He wanted to get to the Major Leagues. Yet it wasn't panning out. In spite of making it as high as he could in the minor leagues (to Triple A ball), the big leagues weren't calling him up. At some point, he decided to move on with his life. But how did he know? Was it his gut? Frustration? Self defeat? Weary of trying? Or was it smart, realistic?

Talk to anyone who is married - and you'll find that at SOME point in their marriage, they wanted to quit. Is divorce what some actually wanted? Or could they have eventually pushed through to the other side?

What about a job? What are we willing to endure before we quit and search for another?

When do we say I QUIT?

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snippeteers' thoughts on last issue:

the rest of the story
and
judgmental judy
in the case of the complaintiffs

"So agree with Judgmental Judy! Just cannot imagine how anyone can live a life of complaint, especially when it is about the daily happenings of life! There is such truth that we set our own attitude. Why set it down a negative path? It is what it is - so enjoy! And thank you for 10 years of thoughtful dialogue."

~ MELANIE in Marriottsville, MD

"To the Most Honorable Judgmental Judy: After reading your recent rant ... I mean, COMMENTARY (lol), I have to totally agree! It seems the grass is always greener on the other side ... or so we think!
When I find myself or my two daughters (ages 13 ... ugh ... and 9) complaining and whining just a bit much, I institute the 'Rule of Three.' For every complaint we must come up with three things we are thankful for, compliment, or are happy with. (Me too, as I get caught up in the whines.) It's very interesting to see what is 'good' in our lives, and it makes us focus on that which is truly a blessing!
I tell them, without a little discomfort, you'd never appreciate all the good. Thanks for another great read!"

~ MEG in Yardley, PA

"Wow, does this hit home. I have a new puppy; haven't had a fur baby since my Brandy passed in July, nor had a puppy for 16 years. Well, three days in, my little puppy fell and hurt her leg. We rushed her to the Pet ER, and thankfully, there were no broken bones, just a sore leg. I still felt horrible that I let her get hurt. I have been watching her closely to make sure it is getting better day by day.
My son, who loves to 'torture' me (and sometimes it is funny) has been going a bit too far, telling me she isn't getting better, she'll be lame for life, etc. to the point that I was almost in tears. He was trying to write a negative story (funny or not), and I was trying to watch her mend. I felt like giving him 'raspberries' because the pup is almost all better.
The only story I want to write is a happy one where I can sit and teach her to be a happy and good little fur baby, keep her healthy and give as much love to her that I can."

~ KARAN A in Middle River, MD

"Excellent advice. I hear and see more people wanting to live in the moment. Pinch yourself and enjoy or choose not to enjoy."

~ TINA in California

"I'm crying. You inspire me! I cannot wait to see you soon!"

~ JAMIE in Florida
(the beach yoga instructor!)

"Great reminder! I loved this week's lesson."
~ ERIN in Ohio

"What a great snippet about being present. Striving to live all our lives more present is such an important message. Thanks for sharing."

~ VIVIAN

good to giggle

prayer flares

FOR new baby MARTHA GRACE

FOR the soul of Margy

FOR the soul of Frankie who lived to 103

ciao ...

until you snippet again

suzanne molino singleton

creator of SNIPPETS

Celebrating 10 years! created 2006

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An assortment of inspirational snippets to encourage, empower, validate and motivate, inspired by Suzanne's countless bike rides through scenic Baltimore County, Maryland and along Florida's Gulf beaches. Whether you're a cyclist or not, you'll latch onto these wise words of inspiration to guide you while pedaling up and down life's hills.