Chapter 1: The Courage to Walk Away

Sometimes, making the decision to walk away is the most courageous move you can take, opening doors to new beginnings.

Society often equates quitting with failure, suggesting that once you commit to something—be it a job, a relationship, or a lifelong ambition—walking away signifies weakness. However, I’ve come to understand that, at times, choosing to leave is the most empowering and courageous action you can take. Letting go does not mean giving up; it’s about recognizing when something no longer benefits you and allowing yourself the space to evolve beyond it.

Initially, I wasn’t comfortable with the thought of leaving things behind. Like many, I grew up believing that hard work and perseverance were essential for success. If something didn’t work out, it was perceived as a personal failing. Consequently, I remained in situations longer than I should have, convinced that if I just persevered, things would improve. This mindset held until I realized that some things cannot be forced.

One of the most significant turning points in my life came when I made the decision to leave an Ivy League master’s program. On paper, it appeared as though I was living the dream—pursuing a degree in AI/ML at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Yet, internally, I was unhappy. I had chosen this path because it seemed “correct,” a logical progression in my career. As I delved deeper, I recognized that it wasn't right for me. I lacked passion for the work and felt as though I was living out someone else’s aspirations instead of my own.

I grappled with this decision for months. Departing from an Ivy League school felt like failure, as if I were discarding an opportunity that many would envy. However, the more I reflected, the clearer it became that staying would be the real failure. I was failing myself by clinging to a path that no longer resonated with me, simply out of fear of letting go.

Ultimately, I walked away. I relinquished the prestigious degree and transferred to a design school to pursue an MFA in Human-Computer Interaction. Surprisingly, the world didn’t crumble; instead, it expanded. For the first time in ages, I felt invigorated. I was chasing something that truly aligned with my identity, rather than conforming to what I thought I should pursue. Letting go of the necessity to follow a predetermined path granted me the freedom to forge my own way, one that brought fulfillment and joy.

The decision to leave that program wasn’t the only instance in which I learned the importance of walking away. A few years later, I faced an even larger choice—one involving my marriage. To the outside world, we appeared to live a normal life, but behind closed doors, the reality was starkly different. There were moments of control, manipulation, and even abuse that left me feeling trapped and powerless. His family routinely justified his behavior, dismissing my pain as something I merely needed to tolerate.

It was during lockdown, when his mother burned my hand, that something shifted within me. Staring at the burn, I realized I had reached my breaking point. I could either remain in this toxic environment or choose to walk away. This time, leaving wasn’t just about exiting a bad situation—it was about prioritizing myself, reclaiming my worth, and refusing to accept less than I deserved.

I made the decision to leave. I became the first person in my family to annul a marriage, a choice that shook the very foundation of my life but ultimately liberated me. Walking away wasn’t a sign of failure; it was a testament to my newfound strength to say, “Enough.” With this choice came a sense of freedom I never knew was possible. I was no longer confined to a space that stifled my spirit; I could rebuild on my terms.

Each time I’ve opted to walk away from something that ceased to serve me, I encountered fear, doubt, and a sense of loss. Yet, I’ve learned that walking away creates room—room for growth, room for new opportunities, and room for the person I am meant to become. Though it’s often challenging, the rewards are always worth the effort.

We frequently cling to things—jobs, relationships, goals—out of fear: fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of judgment. What I’ve discovered is that letting go does not signify weakness; it embodies bravery. It takes courage to declare, “This isn’t working for me anymore,” and that’s perfectly acceptable. It requires strength to walk away, trusting that something better awaits on the other side.

Now, as a Senior UX Designer, I reflect on all the moments where I chose to let go, recognizing them as pivotal points that shaped my journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today without learning to walk away from paths that were misaligned with my identity. It wasn’t failure that brought me here; it was the willingness to part with what no longer resonated with who I was becoming.

So, if you find yourself ensnared in a situation that no longer feels right, ask yourself: Is this genuinely serving me? If the answer is no, grant yourself the permission to walk away. Sometimes, the most powerful action you can take is to let go, and in doing so, you’ll uncover the freedom to grow into the person you were always meant to be.

Walking away doesn’t signify the end; it heralds the beginning of something new, something more attuned to your true self. And that, I’ve discovered, is where genuine transformation starts.

Section 1.1: The Power of Walking Away

Chapter 2: A Deeper Dive into Letting Go

The first video discusses the profound impact of choosing to walk away and how it can lead to personal empowerment and growth.

The second video explores the challenges and strategies involved in letting go of relationships that no longer serve you, emphasizing the strength required to move forward.