You’re allowed to leave any story you don’t find yourself in. You’re allowed to lose your self, to lose your faith, to temporarily lose your way. Sometimes, in the losing, we discover the ultimate truths that lead us to an even bigger win.

You’re allowed to leave any story you don’t love yourself in, any friendship you’re not appreciated in, any situation that has dimmed your light instead of helping to brighten your shine.

You’re allowed to pack your bags, literally or figuratively, and start over somewhere new. Sometimes, it’s in the deciding to close this chapter that we find the courage to turn the page.

You’re allowed to quit the job that you hate, even if the world tells you not to. You’re allowed to search for something you love to do, no matter how simple or small – something that makes you look forward to tomorrow, and the rest of your life. Sometimes it’s the smallest of things that end up making the biggest difference.

You’re allowed to leave someone you love if they’re treating you poorly. You’re allowed to put yourself first if you find that you’ve been settling, and you’re allowed to walk away when you’ve tried, again and again, but nothing has changed.

You’re allowed to let toxic friends go, no matter how long your history has been. You’re allowed to choose the kind of energy you will accept into your life. “One rotten apple spoils the whole bunch” is not merely a stealthy proverb, but an accurate depiction of how negativity can (and will) impact those who choose to permit it to breed. Surround yourself with love, with hope, with positivity and grace – with people who encourage you and nurture your growth. The ones with whom you find beautiful depth because, once you’ve experienced the deep, shallow will no longer ever be good enough.

You’re allowed to forgive yourself for your biggest and smallest mistakes. You’re allowed to be kind to yourself, as well as to others. In forgiving the sins of those who have hurt you, grace will embrace you, and set your heart free.

You’re allowed to look in the mirror and actually like the person that you see. You’re allowed to release yourself of your own expectations and to turn a deaf ear to the murmurings of the world.

We sometimes look at “leaving” as a bad thing, like giving up or quitting is only ever a derogatory thing – but sometimes leaving is actually the best possible thing. Sometimes it’s the leaving that allows you to change your direction, to start over, to rediscover yourself and regard the world in a whole new light.

And you’re allowed.

You’re allowed to leave. You’re allowed to quit. You’re allowed to change. You’re allowed to grow. You’re allowed to forgive. You’re allowed to let go.

Sometimes it’s the leaving that releases you – from remaining stuck in the wrong place with the wrong people. Sometimes it’s the leaving that opens new doors – for redemption, for change, for opportunity and for growth.

So go ahead and leave – any person, place, situation or circumstance that no longer serves your soul.

#BeyondTheBoylstonLine

*this piece was inspired by, adapted from and redacted in a creative writing assignment. The core basis for this piece was originally created by, Rania Naim.