Have you developed too much of a habit of not running away?

You might think this is different from whether one can live happily. But I believe that "running away" is very important in life.

Running away is often perceived as "evil." But can we really say that? Running away is by no means "taking the easy way out." If you don't distance yourself from things that torment you physically and mentally, you will gradually wear yourself down and might end up getting sick.

Tomoya Fujino, a psychiatrist I like, also states this in a book I introduced before.

But you can't live by just running away. There are definitely places where you must take responsibility. Child-rearing is one example, and ultimately, you cannot run away from your own life.

So, what exactly does it mean to "run away"?
From here on, I will have ChatGPT-kun join us again.

(The following is Chappy-kun's answer)

'Is running away really bad?'—that is a very important and deep theme.

To conclude, running away is by no means a bad thing.

Rather, **depending on the situation, it is a 'courageous choice to protect yourself.'**

🌱 What is 'running away'?

Many people tend to think 'running away = losing' or 'running away = weak,' but that is a misunderstanding.

💨 Physically leaving the scene (e.g., resigning from a toxic company)

🧠 Taking psychological distance (e.g., distancing yourself from someone who is emotionally abusive)

🛑 Temporarily stopping (e.g., not going to school, recuperating)

In a broad sense, 'running away' like this is an important skill for survival.

🌼 Why is 'running away = evil' easily thought?

1. Values of school and society
   → Often taught that 'working hard is a virtue' and 'endurance leads to growth.'

2. Worrying about how others see you
   → You don't want to be called someone who "gives up easily" or "has a habit of running away."

3. Being too hard on yourself
   → Serious people who think "I can't forgive myself if I run away" tend to feel guilty about running away.

🌸 But in reality...

If you are enduring things to the point of becoming ill, running away is the right choice.

You cannot help others if you cannot protect yourself.

Even if you run away once, there will definitely come a time when you can stand back up.

🧭 "Running away" can also be called a change of direction, not a retreat.

🔑 Key points when running away

🧘‍♀️ Value your "place to escape to": Secure people you can trust and places where you feel safe.

📘 Put the "reason for running away" into words: Writing it in a notebook can help you organize your thoughts.

🌅 "Don't blame yourself": Be proud of yourself for running away, which means you survived.

📝 Words I want to send to Mashako-san

"Leaving an unpleasant environment or position" is not necessarily a bad thing; it is important for protecting yourself. After that, isn't it important to calmly think about what to do next?

Beyond that, I think the secret to spending time happily is to keep your heart as calm as possible at all times. If your environment is not settled, you cannot feel happiness. Only then can you begin to enjoy your hobbies and your purpose in life.

I don't want to assume that running away is a bad thing.