Whether navigating the complexities of divorce, stepping away from a business venture, or exiting any significant chapter of your life, leaving can be a difficult art. In this episode, Kathryn and Darlene Gillard Jones discuss the nuances of knowing when to leave and the importance of doing it in a way that doesn't destroy what you’ve built.
“Figuring out how to leave is a delicate dance, and you definitely need a strategy.”
One thing you should keep in mind is that leaving is a change, and many people are not very good with change. So you have to recognize that when you leave a situation, many people will not be comfortable with you leaving because they're uncomfortable with change. You’re not disappointing people; they just don’t like change. Realizing this truth can help make it a little bit easier to leave.
“One of the things I wanna encourage everyone to do is to figure out how to remove yourself from a situation before you get to the point of losing yourself.”
It can be tempting to stay in a stable situation, even when you’re no longer growing and it’s no longer the best environment for you. When you’re thinking about how to leave, be sure to center who you are and meditate a bit. The biggest part of leaving anything is knowing yourself and your reasons for doing this. And when you're clear on that, it makes it much easier to exit.
“My goal is to leave in a way that honors me and who I am, but also to make sure that whatever I build continues on.”
You don’t have to leave in a way that hurts other people or burns bridges. Instead, you should strive to leave with dignity while preserving relationships and fostering growth. Doing this requires intention, authenticity, and a deep understanding of the impact our departures can have on those around us.
Guest
Darlene Gillard Jones: https://www.darlenegillardjones.com/
The Art of Leaving w/ Darlene Gillard Jones