
When a baby first tastes solid food, their reaction is instinctive—they savor what they love and spit out what they don’t. This simplicity in preference follows us into adulthood. We effortlessly decide what food we like or dislike, yet as adults when it comes to relationships, jobs, or even where we live, we often ignore our instincts. Instead of spitting out what doesn’t serve us, we endure. We make excuses. We convince ourselves to stay, even as our life clock keeps ticking.
Why do we hold on to things that don’t feel right? Why do we stay in jobs that drain us or relationships that make us miserable? Many of us prefer the illusion of stability over the discomfort of change. Some even go to great lengths to create a facade, showcasing “perfect” lives on social media while privately struggling.
I once worked with a woman from the Middle East. She was married, and from time to time she’d hint that her hubby was the best man any woman could wish for. One night, during a night shift, she proudly showed me her new iPad, saying her husband had bought it for her. I admired the item that was when iPads were a hot commodity and I was thrilled for her —until a few days later, I heard through the grapevine that she had fought publicly with her husband’s mistress on Facebook. Worse, I learned she was the family’s breadwinner and had purchased the iPad herself. Yet, she wanted the world to see her as someone with a doting provider at home.
Her story stuck with me, but I wasn’t immune to staying in situations that didn’t serve me either. I lingered in draining friendships, constantly listening to the same complaints and heartbreak stories about the same people. I tolerated negativity until I felt like my own mind was unravelling.
Finally, I decided enough was enough. I wrote down some life rules to guide me:
- If it doesn’t feel good, let it go.
- Trust your instincts—they’re rarely wrong.
- Surround yourself with people and environments that elevate you.
- Give time to what gives you life.
These principles have been a game-changer. They’ve helped me raise my energy, attract better people, and step away from what no longer aligns with me.
It’s still a work in progress, but one thing is clear: Just as we avoid food we dislike, we should avoid relationships, jobs, and situations that make us feel miserable. And the sooner we act, the sooner we free ourselves to live a life that truly feels good.
Salima
Just me thinking out loud over here