“Sometime you have to walk away from people, not because you don’t care, but because they don’t.” – Unknown
I am a people pleaser . . . I strive to make connections, build relationships, and solve problems. At times to a fault, I want people to like and respect me. I seek solutions, build bridges, and compromise when necessary. I think divergently, creatively, and openly. I thrive with, and seek out, others who want to find solutions. I am an optimist; I believe we can find solutions.
There are some people I encounter who don’t share my perspective on life. There are pessimists in our midst . . . there are people who aren’t interested in solving problems. There are some people who simply want to find someone to blame, someone to point a finger at, and someone to become part of their circle of doom. There are fear mongers who tap into emotions, who evoke feelings of panic, to simply revert back to yesterday’s thinking.
There are times when, after listening, evaluating, and reflecting, the best thing to do is walk away. There are times when, even when it is against your nature, the best use of your time and energy is to walk away. You know the situation; you are thinking of conversations right now, when shouting at the wind would be just as effective. You know the person – you have a picture in your head – that simply doesn’t care to listen.
Give yourself permission . . . press pause and get your mind right . . . to respectfully say, “You know what, we are going to need to agree to disagree.” Once said, walk away. Not because you haven’t tried, not because you don’t care, but because they don’t care. For them – you know who it is – they don’t want to honestly seek solutions. Sometimes you just need to walk away.
Life in Focus 