If there's anything I have learned in the past year is that it is okay to stop trying. Many people would read that sentence and assume I mean they should "give up." In my definition, "giving up" is to know that the outcome is possible, but you don't think you can achieve it. My definition to "stop trying" means to realize that it's not worth the effort anymore. I can almost guarantee that the person who is reading this right now has been in a situation before where they have felt as if they couldn't walk away without looking or feeling weak. However, there are a few ways you can benefit when you stop trying in situations that aren't helping you in any way.

You look strong, and I can't say this enough. You are such a strong person to walk away from something/ someone that once may have made you the happiest person. Whether that's ending a relationship, quitting a job or moving away, sometimes it's just what you need to make yourself happy. Sure it might hurt at first, but looking back you may thank yourself because you finally put yourself first. And there is nothing wrong with ever putting yourself first, no matter what anyway says.

You are being daring. I don't mean jump off of a bridge kind of daring, but the kind of daring where you aren't afraid to make yourself happy. People should see that in you. They should know that you care about yourself enough to the point where you have no problem getting rid of the negative in your life. You are also wanting to try something new that could benefit you. You should never allow anyone to take advantage of you emotionally because that will only continue to hurt you later on in life and could potentially change your views on something else that's more important.

This will make you happy. You will realize that you can do better. You can get a better significant other, a better job and a better location to settle down. Not everything you encounter in life is going to be terrible, but maybe it's not what you need to be happy. Once you finally realize what you want and you achieve it, you will never look happier, that to me, is beautiful, not a failure, and definitely not weak.

The problem we all face is thinking everyone's opinions about us matter more than how we feel about ourselves when that should never be the case. I say it's okay to stop trying because why should anyone try to be unhappy? That sounds a little ridiculous, doesn't it? I say, "While you stop trying, you can also say goodbye to the people that are going to judge you along the way."