Is It Permissible to Pass When You’re Feeling Burned Out?

Sometimes we don’t feel up to our original plan.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

I’m big on keeping to my commitments. I’m a tremendous proponent of integrity.

And this is where “but” enters. And the question “is it permissible to pass” arises.

I’m committed to writing daily — and posting on Medium a minimum of six days a week. Titles can be challenging — sometimes more so than the article itself.

Before publishing, weariness has often set in when struggling to obtain a high rating on my title. I surrender — giving myself a pass — acknowledging that the title will do, as is. That is until I revisit it the following day — and voila’ — the winning title emerges.

I’ve gone to dinner to please a friend when I’d rather stay home and eat leftovers rather than decline the invitation. I preferred to be writing yet chatted on the phone when a friend seemed lonely. I agreed to do chores for my weary husband even though I, too, was tired.

Of course, there are times when putting our preferences aside for a loved one is a kind deed and the only solution.

These aren’t sacrifices but actions important to our friendships.