How to Not Give Up When You Want to

Giving up costs too much — here’s an affordable option

Don’t Give Up

I’ve been on the verge of giving up. It’s crossed my mind plenty of times.

Life sometimes feels like an endless struggle, and some days I’m just so worn out. It’s as if the weight of the world is on my shoulders and it’s too much to bear.

Some days, surrendering seems easy.

On those days when I am feeling down, drained, and defeated, I can’t help but feel like throwing in the towel and giving up.

People always say, “Don’t give up,” but those words have lost their impact. They’ve been repeated so often that they’ve lost their meaning.

They tell me to keep going; keep swimming, but what other choice do I have?

If I stop, I’ll drown!

Giving up is not an option for me. Well, at least not one that I can afford.

The Cost of Giving Up

I’ve tried giving up before. It’s a luxury I couldn’t indulge in. Actually, it’s a luxury not everyone can afford.

I certainly couldn’t.

I have responsibilities and commitments that I can’t just walk away from. It’s my duty to wake up every day, write, take care of my home, and cook for my child.

Giving up means neglecting all of those things.

Someone who gives up stays in bed and refuses to face the day. But with all these responsibilities, how long can I stay in bed?

If I were to give up, I’d spend my days in bed. And then the bills wouldn’t get paid. I’d end up homeless and starving. My child would go hungry too.

This is cost of giving up. It’s too high I can’t afford it.

Sometimes the writing journey gets hard and I’m tempted to give up but that would make my life meaningless. Writing is a part of who I am, my dream, and the work I’ve been given.

How can I possibly give up on that?

Giving up means accepting defeat, and settling for less than I deserve. It means allowing my problems to triumph.

That’s not an option for me.

Giving up on your dreams is giving up on yourself. It’s letting go of the person you could have become and the life you could have lived. It means surrendering your own future.

I can’t do that to myself.

There have to be other choices that I can afford.

Other Affordable Options

I won’t sugarcoat it — life is very tough. It’s an ongoing battle, and there are moments when it’s like fighting a losing fight.

The pain and distress can become overwhelming, making it feel like I’m on the verge of drowning. The weight of my problems can feel like an anchor, dragging me deeper into despair.

It’s a constant struggle to stay afloat, especially when it seems like you’re falling short in every aspect of life.

But giving up is still not the solution.

I owe it to myself to keep pushing forward. I owe it to myself to keep fighting.

I gotta keep swimming.

Sure, there are times when I’m too exhausted to keep going, but somehow, hope keeps me moving even in the darkest moments.

Now that is something I can afford. It costs absolutely nothing to have hope.

The hope that one day things will be better and my struggles will be a thing of the past keeps me going, even when it feels like I’ve reached my breaking point.

Giving up on the other hand costs way too much. I refuse to give up because I believe there’s a purpose behind my struggles.

I’m certain of it.

This story wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t experienced moments of wanting to give up. I wouldn’t have a message to share with those who are feeling the same way. That’s the purpose of our struggles — they create a story.

In the moments when hope seems elusive, I remind myself of this purpose and I hold on.

When I feel isolated in my struggles, I remind myself that I’m not alone. I have people who care about me. I’m everything to my daughter, and that’s what motivates me to keep swimming.

And when things become too difficult to bear, I seek support from trusted mentors who offer encouragement and guidance. I trust that even in the darkest times, I will be guided.

Taking care of myself is essential. I can’t be there for my child if I’m not taking care of myself physically and emotionally. So, I prioritize self-care.

I make time for prayer, meditation, exercise, and activities that bring me joy. Spending more time with my child helps me find joy again.

Above all, I give myself grace when I fall short. When I’m too tired to go on, I allow myself to take a break and rest. If getting out of bed feels like an impossible task, I remind myself that I’m only human and that it’s okay to take a little longer to gather my strength.

It’s okay to not be okay.

It’s okay to feel that way, but giving up is not the only option. It may feel like the only way out, but there is always another way.

Hope is a much more affordable option, even if it means swimming for miles and miles to find it.

There’s always hope, even in trying times.

This story wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t experienced moments of wanting to give up. I wouldn’t have a message to share with those who are feeling the same way. That’s the purpose of our struggles — they create a story.

Just Keep Swimming

You’ve probably heard it countless times, but I’ll say it again: don’t give up. Just keep swimming.

If it seems like everything is falling apart and you’re failing at everything, know that you’re not alone.

I feel that struggle too.

Hope has been my saving grace. I never lose hope.

If we lose hope, we lose everything.

When I get tired of swimming, I find a rock to hold onto. For me, that rock is the Spirit of God. When I hold on, I am safe and sound and I am not shaken when the storms rage around me. I can find rest for my soul.

Giving up is a luxury you cannot afford, considering your responsibilities and dreams. Giving up means settling for less, and you deserve more.

When life feels overwhelming and giving up seems tempting, remember that there are always choices within your reach. Find an unshakeable rock to hold onto.

And then hold onto your dreams.

Explore different paths and options that fit your circumstances. Reach out to someone you trust when you need guidance and take good care of yourself.

You are stronger than you realize. You have the resilience to keep going, even in the darkest and toughest moments.

As you keep swimming, one day you’ll reach dry ground. And when that happens, you’ll be inspired to share your story and your story will become a source of inspiration for countless others.

And that will be the purpose of your struggles.

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever — 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭MSG‬‬.

No matter what you are going through, just keep going and you will get through it.

© 2023 Kimberly Fosu.

Need to talk? Book a coaching session | Join my email list for exclusive insights | Sign up for my free 3-day spiritual writing email course to learn how to step into your role as a divine author | Want to support my mission? Buy me a water. Your support makes it possible for me to continue reaching millions. Thanks 🤍