Chapter 1: The Art of Surrender

For me, the concept of giving up is more of a spiritual journey. As someone who tends to persist stubbornly, I often find myself exhausting my energy on problems that seem insurmountable. (Being a Capricorn doesn’t help!) However, after grappling with issues in politics, technology, and my writing career, I’ve reached a point of exhaustion.

Politics was the first area of frustration. For years, I’ve expressed my grievances about the many flaws within our country. The recent Supreme Court situation underscored that our government took a misstep long ago, and stressing over it serves no purpose for me. All I can do is sign petitions and voice my concerns, which often feels like shouting into the void. I’ve spent countless hours trying to decipher astrological insights, hoping to find clarity in everyday experiences. Yet, becoming entangled in the chaos only leads to stagnation.

Technology followed closely behind. I’ve faced numerous issues with internet glitches and the endless hurdles to access sites I frequent. Slow connections and the frustration of waiting on the phone for support have become the norm. Additionally, my marketing efforts seem to yield nothing but setbacks and endless aggravation. Rather than succumbing to a breakdown, I now choose to step back. It simply isn't worth the mental strain.

As for my book sales, they remain a mystery. Perhaps fewer people are reading, or maybe my writing isn’t resonating with them. I find myself questioning, “Why am I even trying?” It can be disheartening to glance at sales figures and realize the limited audience I’ve reached. Yet, outside the digital realm, I’ve experienced small victories—doing book readings and selling paperbacks to an appreciative crowd. Worrying about these matters leads nowhere. Writing is integral to who I am; I don’t do it solely for sales, yet in our society, those numbers often define success.

I must remind myself that the number of writers has surged in recent years, largely thanks to the ease of self-publishing. Many artists and authors labor away quietly, nurturing their passions and contributing beauty to a world that often feels bleak. Personally, I channel current events into my writing, weaving them into narratives that may unfold in past or future settings. My stories often serve as love tales, metaphors, or cautionary parables, reflecting the challenges faced in a troubled world that the protagonists must navigate.

Despite my discouragement, I persist in writing. What I'm relinquishing is not my passion but rather external pressures. When you find yourself feeling defeated, remember that whatever ignites your heart brings illumination to the world, dispelling the shadows. If you're curious about my work, I invite you to visit my website.

This official audio piece from Whitney captures the essence of giving up, reflecting the emotional weight of surrendering to life's challenges.

Chapter 2: Understanding the Struggle

The official music video by Michigander portrays the theme of giving up, resonating with the struggles and resilience inherent in the human experience.