Time out!

There’s a saying here that goes “Para magkalapit, maglayo-layo” (To be close, be distant). I guess it’s our version of the English saying “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Sometimes the next best thing is to just say goodbye (for a while).

It’s true that we never realize the worth of someone in our lives until that person is gone (this could be a friend, a spouse or a family member, a circle of friends we belong to). And though it may be hard to make a decision like that, it’s better than trying to keep close, trying to mend the situation that’s out of your control already and worsen it or damage the relationship all the more.

I’ve had to deal with this situation a few times already and find it more helpful to just be quiet for a while, stay a distance, maybe go on a vacation alone, just get away for a bit from the toxic situation. Sometimes we just get fed up with all the issues, the drama, the fighting, all the unnecessary stuff that are really not emotionally and spiritually healthy.

I think a retreat from the world, the people causing you all this baggage, pulling you down, the situation that’s gotten out of hand, is helpful. Shouldn’t we face our troubles head on? Yes we should but there’s a time to do that and a time to renew our strength, we should also be fit for the battle.

Break it up if you have to, run, hide, ex-communicate, go to the mountains and live like an hermit.

Here are things we can do while at it:

GET close to GOD – There’s no one who can understand and make everything better than God. At times like these, we need not only rest but also peace, and who can better provide that?

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” – Matthew 11:28

Reflect – Spend time alone, just by yourself, go on a nature trek. Block out all the negativity.

Go to other friends – If it’s a friend, a boyfriend/girlfriend, spouse that’s causing you all this confusion and chaos, go to other friends who can comfort, give good advice and encourage you.