Sometimes I Cry: Leave My Quitters Alone

QUITTING IS OKAY.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: Aren’t you supposed to stick to your goals? I thought we could do anything we set our minds to? (I apologize for using these cringey quotes, but I must show examples to get my point across.)
All our lives we have been told that we can do anything as long as we believe in ourselves. Now, I believe that it’s true (to a certain extent). However, I am not here to talk about how we achieve our goals, I am here to give you comfort in giving up.
Why? Quitting things has always felt shameful, at least for me. I was embarrassed to admit when I couldn’t do something, so I just pushed through and dealt with all the aftermath. However, I have recently learned that quitting is one of the most freeing things one can do.
Now, LET ME BE CLEAR, I am not saying to throw all your plans away and become a hobo where you run with the wind, have three pet dogs, and eat Taco Bell as a luxury meal. I just want you to know that giving up on something is not the end of the world, and should be completely acceptable in society.
Now that my PSA has been said, I can get my message out.
Quitting is not something that should be looked down upon. If you are truly feeling miserable because of something, why would you stay in that position?
For example, in the beginning of this year I was in four AP courses (Scary I know. I don’t know how my friends do it.) Two of those classes were absolutely NOT for me. No hate for the class, teachers, or students that are part of those courses, but I was not happy at all. So guess what I did? I dropped them. I WAS SO SCAREDNESS. I had never dropped a course before, moreover, I changed half of my schedule. But as soon as I did I felt free. (I LITERALLY SKIPPED TO MY NEW T/A PERIOD I WAS SO HAPPY :D)
This got me thinking, people have started doing things not out of ambition, but obligation. For example, AP and honors students take the hardest classes every year. They try to challenge themselves hoping to impress their peers, family, and schools. Even if they hate the situation they put themselves in, they stay, and do it all over again the next year, and the next, until they die. This becomes a cycle, leading to burnout, depression, and stress. (Yall need Jeter)
I apologize for only using academic examples, there are many other examples in this world but these were the ones I could relate to.
Allow me to think, marinate perhaps, and consider other things you, my precious reader, may relate to.
You know that sport you’ve done for years? The one that makes you miserable? Yes, YOU CAN QUIT!! I know too many people who have done sports since elementary school that regret continuing it in high school. They always feel stressed and rushed balancing school work and sports. But they continue on, deciding to fulfill expectations rather than happiness.
On to another example: That job that is so boring it could kill you? LEAVE. Do not choose money over happiness. You will literally spend around 90,000 hours working in your lifetime. Don’t spend it on something you’ll hate.
If you aren’t happy in whatever situation you’re in, understand that you can always change it.
By changing two minimal things in my schedule, I found the will to live again. I’ve decided to accept when things are simply too hard, not that I won’t ever try at anything ever again, but when the impossible starts to feel impossible, I will give myself the luxury of rest.
Now, how shall I end this? Let me remind you all that I hope you all succeed in whatever you aspire to do. Give up when you want, or don’t, it’s up to you.
I hope my words of wisdom serve you well.