I’m no expert and I don’t have a degree in counseling. However, I have always been told I give some pretty solid advice. I want to offer a reassuring note for the future when you’ll need it the most. I hope you take this friendly advice.

One of the hardest things in life is deciding whether to try harder or walk away. Sometimes you feel like you have invested too much time into something or someone to just give up. That makes you feel like you should stay and try some more. I know you would hate to let go because you have invested time and energy. I don’t know about you, but my time is everything to me. I am selective about what deserves my time. I may sound arrogant, but I want to spend as much time as I can to improve.

So, maybe some questions you could ask yourself before giving up or applying even more time or energy is: Does this deserve my time? Is it worth the effort? If you answer no to those questions, then you should definitely walk away. Reason being that, it will take too much out of you and leave you feeling empty when it is over. In the end, it’s just going to make a mess of you. You could be spending time on something better for you. No one wants to invest and not receive anything in return.

I hope you are being cautious. Everything you do today affects you tomorrow. Especially when it comes to what you are investing in. Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome. So, if you don’t see progress in the decisions you’re making. Why keep making them?

Most of the time, people fear cutting ties to things they’ve always known. Or maybe because they don’t know any better. That’s alright, because the average Joe fears change, loneliness, and the unknown. But see it in this light, you won’t be truly happy until you invest in happiness. Nothing is wrong with being afraid, but sometimes you must walk into the lion’s den with courage.

Change is a very positive thing, it will teach you something you didn’t know and give you a different outlook on life and your future investments. Along with that, making the right decisions brings independence. At the end of the day you came into this world alone, and nine times out of ten that’s how you’ll leave it. Get used to investing in yourself, you just might need it. Focus on you, get to know who you are, and do it without anyone taking advantage of your time and effort. You’re missing out on future growth and opportunity if you keep applying energy in the wrong areas. Remember, if something is meant to be, then it will be. Don’t overwork yourself for jobs and relationships. Do not try to force it. You cannot force something to work if it’s not supposed to work!

So, tomorrow when you get up in the morning… Do something you haven’t done in a while, invest in you. Be willing to meet new people and distance yourself from anything hindering your progression. Then get up the next day and do it again. You as a person will progress because you’ve decided to invest correctly.

This article was included in South Texan Newspaper