Do You Have a Safe Word? Knowing When to Push Through and When to Pause By Miriam Rees
Have you ever been excited about something—a new fitness program, a job, a relationship, or a personal goal—only to hit a moment where quitting felt easier than continuing? In those moments, have you ever reached for a safe word… or simply walked away?
Let’s talk about safe words, perseverance, faith, and how knowing the difference between quitting and pushing through can completely change your life.
What Is a Safe Word?
A safe word is a word or phrase you use to say “stop,” “I’m done,” or “I can’t do this anymore.” It’s commonly used in controlled environments to signal a clear boundary, but it can also apply to real life.
Safe words can show up in many situations:
- A fitness or weight-loss program
- A challenging job
- A difficult season in a relationship
- A personal growth journey
In one of my previous fitness program groups, we actually had a literal safe word.
Pineapples. 🍍
If things got too hard, overwhelming, or uncomfortable, you could say “pineapples” and stop. Simple as that. Whether or not you used the safe word was completely your choice.
When Life Gets Hard, It’s Easy to Say “Pineapples”
Life doesn’t come without obstacles. There will always be moments when the curveballs feel unfair, exhausting, or overwhelming. In those moments, saying your safe word—giving up, quitting, or backing out—can feel like instant relief.
But here’s the truth I’ve learned over time:
👉 The moments when you want to quit are often the moments right before growth happens.
Choosing not to say your safe word—choosing to push through discomfort, doubt, and fear—is often what leads to the best results, the strongest confidence, and the deepest transformation.
That said, it’s important to be clear about this:
Sometimes Using a Safe Word Is the Right Choice
Not every situation requires pushing through. There are absolutely times when stopping is the healthiest and safest decision—such as leaving an abusive relationship or stepping away from something that causes harm.
Wisdom is knowing the difference between:
- Temporary discomfort that leads to growth
- Ongoing harm that leads to damage
My Fitness Journey: Choosing Not to Say “Pineapples”
When I first started my fitness journey—specifically 80-Day Obsession—I knew within the first week that it was going to be intense. Challenging. Uncomfortable. A complete test of my mental and physical limits.
There were many moments when it would have been easy to say, “Pineapples.”
But I had to ask myself one honest question:
How badly do I want the end result?
I wanted to reach my health and fitness goals more than I wanted the comfort of quitting. So even when I was tempted—very tempted—I didn’t use my safe word.
If you want to see more about that journey and what it took, you can watch it here:
👉 My 80-Day Obsession Fitness Journey:
https://youtu.be/1Q8Kw0eBEEE
That season taught me something powerful:
You don’t always feel strong when you’re becoming strong.
Faith, Strength, and Not Giving Up Too Soon
Through all of this, I’ve learned that I don’t have to rely on my own strength alone. When things feel too heavy, too hard, or too overwhelming, there is a higher power ready to help carry the load.
Before giving up, I’ve learned to pause and pray.
Instead of immediately saying my safe word, I ask God for guidance, clarity, and strength. Sometimes what I think is the best decision isn’t actually the right one. Patience, prayer, and waiting for God to open the right door have proven—time and time again—to be the better path.
One verse that has carried me through every hard season is this:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
This verse reminds me that strength doesn’t always come from motivation—it comes from faith.
Final Thoughts: Before You Quit, Ask Yourself This
Before you give up on something you were once excited about, ask yourself:
- Is this discomfort temporary or harmful?
- Am I quitting because it’s hard—or because it’s wrong?
- What might happen if I push through just one more day?
You may find that your breakthrough is closer than you think.
Now I’d love to know—
Do you have a favorite Bible verse, quote, or reminder that helps you through difficult seasons?
Sometimes, that one truth is all it takes to keep you from saying “pineapples.” 🍍
