So what does it mean when people “drop out” of activities to “take time”?  Is “dropping out” ever an okay thing to do?  Does it matter what the reasons are for “dropping out”?  Is it important to consider what the “thing” we “drop out” from is or not?  What are the effects of “dropping out” on self and others?  Is there an impact regardless of the “weight” we put on that “thing” we are “dropping out” from?

Oh my goodness…..too many questions here and I have only listed a few of the questions!  “Dropping out” is defined as:  to leave something such as an activity, school, or competition before you have finished what you intended to do; to decide not to have an ordinary job or life because you do not want to be part of society.

We recognize that as adults we get to make our own decisions about an involvement with any activity.  Often, though, don’t you wonder what was considered when people make those types of decisions?  It is my belief that it is imperative we examine the impact of our decisions on others, be it personally or professionally.  That we take the time to consider the consequences of our decisions, not just for ourselves, but for others in our life.

How do we tactfully express the hurt, pain or loss from a decision made by someone to “drop out”?  After all it is their right to do so, we have no say in their decision, or do we?  What if we have an agreement in place?  A fully executed contract? Even just an oral agreement between the two of us?  Then do we have a right to intercede in another’s decision?

People are impacted by others’ decisions on a daily basis.  Often there is no recourse that can be taken to alleviate the “cost” of another’s decision.  We are merely left to pick up the pieces and make sense of the chaos created.  Addictions always leave people in chaos.  “Dropping out” usually leaves people in chaos.  Please be careful in the choices you make, in the responses you give and consider the impact of it all.  Humankind is worth a little extra consideration.

“Whenever you tear an idea from its context and treat is as though it were a self-sufficient, independent item, you invalidate the thought process involved.”  – Ann Rand