Airplane mode

I heard a man recently who was discussing the freedom of putting people, negative stimuli, and situations that cause you stress on “airplane mode.” The man went on to explain that airplane mode doesn’t mean you have to block or abandon anything.

We all have a right to peace. Needing space does not mean that you don’t care. It means that you also happen to value your own peace and that you’re not willing to sacrifice it.

How much of what we do in life is out of obligation? How often do we find ourselves saying things like, “Well, we have to.” Do we actually have to, or have we just done it for so long that we forget we still have a vote?

Why do we put ourselves around people, things, and situations that only add stress to our lives? Why do we allow things beyond our control to take away from our peace?

You do not need permission to say no. It’s a complete sentence. There’s a lot of power in it.

You can be a team player without being a doormat. You can care for others without subscribing to drama. You can love people without allowing them to dictate your happiness. If you’re on a merry-go-round of things with people that are not making you happy, get off. It is not selfish; it is self-care. Make your mental health a priority.

Don’t ever give anyone who assumes the worst of you a front-row seat to your life. If someone in your life doesn’t see the value that you add to theirs, leave. If situations, people, jobs, or relatives are a drain on your mental health, take a step back.

Airplane mode doesn’t mean you don’t ever go back; it just means that you are giving yourself some time to pause.

Sometimes distance makes you realize what matters. Sometimes it provides you with clarity.

When are you the happiest? What is it you’re doing, and who are you doing it with? In contrast, when do you find yourself the most tense? When do you feel the most carefree? Who is it in your life who allows you to truly be yourself and value their time with you? Pay attention to this.

Not every situation requires a response. Sometimes that alone is a response.

It’s just like Mel Robbins and the “Let Them Theory.” Let them do what they want. You can see how it plays out and act accordingly for yourself. Let them, so you can figure out your next move.

What is it in your life that needs to be put on airplane mode? I encourage you to give yourself permission to do so.

Megan Rathz is a wife, mother, and teacher. She says everything she has ever learned in life came from her Master Gardener mother.