Parting

Do What is Right for You

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read780 views

Everyday I’m learning to be a little bolder, you know … be fearless, stand my ground, speak my mind. And everyday I remind myself not to cross that invisible line by setting personal boundaries. It all begins with self-respect.

It is true that you cannot run away from your shadow; however, you have the power and will to keep moving without it being a distraction or an impediment to your new found goals. For so long I didn’t know how to separate the two and I didn’t want to, regardless of the toll it took on me. I thought being loving and caring to some people was not only the right thing to do, but my responsibility (for the sake of peace and to avoid conflicts). There’s nothing at all wrong with being good to others, it’s an act we should all encourage and participate in.

“Lack of boundaries invites lack of respect.”
― Anonymous.

Everyone, at some point in their life, have met cold-hearted individuals. These are not necessary bad people, they are distant, emotionally unavailable and not very sociable.  Some open up after a while and others just don’t; making it uncomfortable being around them. However, these same individuals often want to be treated better than they treat others and wonder why  others would rather stay away from them.

People are who they are. They don’t change because we ask nicely or forcefully; they simply embrace their true nature. Once we understand these facts, it becomes easier to deal with one another (the key here is to understand the limits and expectations of the relationship and accept it as it is).

Being kind to people because they are weaker, older, sensitive or whatever else, no longer cuts it. It just fuels their need to become more arrogant, selfish as we continue to feed their twisted ego. People need to learn from their mistakes and figure out their purpose in life, even if it requires leaning the hard way.

You Have To Do What Is Right For You. No One Walks In Your Shoes.

Many of us want the best for ourselves and for others. However, if you constantly find yourself on the losing end, then it’s time for you to walk away. Remember that people don’t change. They adapt, so do what is right for you.

My wish for you this year is to love yourself more and start doing what is right for you.

Scripture: 1 John 2:19

JM Perez By JM Perez3 min read597 views

Relationships can be a double-edged word. Like domesticated animals, everything is alright until they come biting you for little to no apparent reason.

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” – 1 John 2:19 (KJV)

Like everything else in my Life, I took my job seriously and looking back, I almost became a workaholic. I tried as hard as I could to keep an ongoing communication with the outside World and me. I wasn’t as available as I would have loved to be and I didn’t realize how committed I was to my work. I was excited about a potential promotion. It became tricky to make time for Family, Friends and it seemed there were not enough hours in a day to do what I wanted to do. I had responsibilities, deadlines to meet and my sanity to keep in check.

Little by little, without realizing and/or inciting, I started distancing myself from others (and vise versa). Some people were happy for me and stood patiently beside me. Others simply couldn’t bear the silence and absence and decided to keep moving until I caught up to their rhythm, which I totally understood. One individual, whom I never expected and didn’t think was capable of, saw an opportunity to start a feud. That was eight years ago.

It happened at a time when I was deep in prayer for the right direction regarding the relationship. Looking back, I believe this was inevitable. Though not perfect, I was a faithful friend. However, to be blamed for not supporting a hurtful and hateful decision and to be asked to go against my belief – that to me, was the last straw. Keep in mind that, prior to this, I had my own sanity to keep in check. I have always believed that the Lord works in mysterious ways and I know He freed me from a load which wasn’t mine to carry.

Image Source:
Image Source: InspirationBoost.com

I know a little bit about cutting cords and I have learned over the past years when to hang on and when to let go. Often times we stay in a relationship because we are scared of the unknown and we do not believe we can make it on our own. Because we do not believe in ourselves and in possibilities.

“No one is ever alone and silence does not equate defeat.” ― Joan Ambu

Some relationships are meant to be and others not so much. You can know someone all your life and then, out of the blue, the relationship ends. Does it mean either one or both individuals were bad? Maybe, but I think not. It just means that their chapter in the story of each others life is over at that particular moment. Parting and cutting cords doesn’t give us the right to hate or hurt each other. Besides, how does one begin to belittle someone or something he/she once loved without belittling him/her self in the process? Does it hurt? Yes and it will hurt until you learn to take charge of your Life and emotions. Should you regret ever knowing the person? Absolutely not. Hold on to the good memories and move forward with your Life. Our encounter with one another is a life lesson.

Love and Air are two of a few things which should be free. Do not force anything which doesn’t come naturally and remember that those who leave us, were never really with us. What’s the point holding on to them?

Parting In Love

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read787 views

Nothing is as hard as letting go. Remember your past relationships? Whether they were stagnant, unhealthy or abusive; letting go seemed impossible and painful. The fear of the unknown often discourages people to let go, even when they know that they are unhappy or worst, that there is nothing to hold on to.

Before I befriend someone, I must meet their heart, too. I don’t care much about the mind because the mind, as we all know is a strange element. The heart on the other side is not dark by nature; we train it to be. People will always come and go, but memories will live on.

"If we do meet again, we'll smile indeed; If not, 'tis true this parting was well made." - William Shakespeare
Parting Well Made. Image Source.

Prior to letting go of a relation that no longer serves me, I pray for enlightenment and I let the person know about my decision. I thank him/her for having been part of my life, for all the good memories and wish him/her well before my last goodbye. Going this route reduces misunderstandings and prevents hearsay. Parting is never easy; but letting go of a relation that no longer serves you is the right thing to do. The extra weight of an unhealthy relation is damaging. Once you let go of such a weight you can then move on and no longer have the burden to worry about that person. Expressing truth with love is liberating. It’s like inhaling a deep breath of fresh air.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

You only have one life to live and you cannot reset time. Choose your relationships wisely. Be a good example to yourself and embrace life to the fullest.