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"Quitting Period" - A Personal Reflection (I'm Not Leaving)
3 weeks ago
"Quitting period" is a term that I have used since I was a freshman in high school, circa 2002-2003. In some ways, it's the same as a hiatus, and in other ways it's not. At the beginning of a quitting period, I stop doing what I enjoy doing, but I also leave the door open, in case I ever decide that I want to get back into it. There have been two very notable examples of a quitting period in my life, the most recent being my interest in DJing on Second Life.
In 2018, I quit DJing at a club whose name I'm not at liberty of mentioning due to my personal issues with that club. My motive for quitting there was the fact that I was always playing for an otherwise empty club, while the manager - rest her soul - had at least 50-60 patrons during her sets. I didn't like this, so I quit working there. But as far as DJing goes, I left the door open in case any future opportunities came knocking. In August of 2025, that opportunity came knocking, and I joyfully answered.
The other example concerns my interest in playing violin. In 2002, a fellow high school orchestra student was using criticism to try to get me to play violin her way. I didn't take too kindly to this, so I resolved to quit playing at the end of the school year. Again, I left the door open to any future opportunities, and I answered the door when opportunity knocked in 2020, when I purchased an inexpensive electric violin. I used a great portion of the COVID-19 pandemic to re-learn how to play, aided by the fact I had been keeping my left-hand fingertips in shape while playing guitar.
In short, my quitting periods are never permanent. I'm just like everyone else in that there are times when I need to step away from something for a bit and get back in touch with my inner self. Fortunately, I have no plans of quitting FurAffinity or Second Life unless, heaven forbid, either are ever forced to shut down, which I hope will never happen. Another reason for my leaving FA or Second Life would be if - heaven forbid - I were to die suddenly, which I pray doesn't happen for more than 61 years starting this December 13th -- beyond my 100th birthday.
In 2018, I quit DJing at a club whose name I'm not at liberty of mentioning due to my personal issues with that club. My motive for quitting there was the fact that I was always playing for an otherwise empty club, while the manager - rest her soul - had at least 50-60 patrons during her sets. I didn't like this, so I quit working there. But as far as DJing goes, I left the door open in case any future opportunities came knocking. In August of 2025, that opportunity came knocking, and I joyfully answered.
The other example concerns my interest in playing violin. In 2002, a fellow high school orchestra student was using criticism to try to get me to play violin her way. I didn't take too kindly to this, so I resolved to quit playing at the end of the school year. Again, I left the door open to any future opportunities, and I answered the door when opportunity knocked in 2020, when I purchased an inexpensive electric violin. I used a great portion of the COVID-19 pandemic to re-learn how to play, aided by the fact I had been keeping my left-hand fingertips in shape while playing guitar.
In short, my quitting periods are never permanent. I'm just like everyone else in that there are times when I need to step away from something for a bit and get back in touch with my inner self. Fortunately, I have no plans of quitting FurAffinity or Second Life unless, heaven forbid, either are ever forced to shut down, which I hope will never happen. Another reason for my leaving FA or Second Life would be if - heaven forbid - I were to die suddenly, which I pray doesn't happen for more than 61 years starting this December 13th -- beyond my 100th birthday.
The internet has presented an entirely new form of association(s), so it's not a surprise that new phrases have been made.
It's both good, and shows your wisdom in realizing future potential and not preventing it!
Also good to know you're gonna hang around! (At least, for as long as you can?!)
;-P
Yeah, I'll be sticking around until either FurAffinity is forced to shut down (let's hope not), or I pass away suddenly (which I hope doesn't happen for another 61+ years -- beyond my 100th birthday).
I will admit, when you mentioned that you had food poisoning over the weekend, I was legit worried about you, and we both prayed for you when we went to church Saturday evening. ^^;
I can't speak for Elly, but I have been seriously ill only once in my life; I was probably 7 or 8 at the time. I don't remember much from then, but I believe I made a full recovery in a week and a half, give or take a few days. I do remember, however, getting tired of my diet of strictly apple sauce and ginger ale. XD;
I can assure you that Elly and I have been doing our absolute best at keeping up with our health. ^^