The courage to change the things I can

I will leave, she said.

I will resign. I will pack up my skills and gifts and find someone who acknowledges and values me. I would not put up with this kind of churlish denigration from family members be they parents or spouse.  I have gone the extra mile. I understand contentment in service to others in authority, and I understand gaining freedom when you can. If I would not permit this kind of treatment at the hands of family whom I love, why should I permit it from someone to whom I have no connection other than they hold the stability of my job in their capricious hands?  Is this the time I should choose to gain my freedom? What price freedom?

The wisdom to know the difference

“There is no question.  I have the wisdom,” she said. “I have the skills and the experience to do something bigger and better.”  So she betook herself to the job boards to seek a better life. At that very moment, there were no vacancies remotely suitable to her goals and needs. Too hard. Too soft.  Too hot.  Too cold. Too big.  Too small.

“I will sleep on it,” she said. And she did.  As she drifted off to sleep, she mused on the perfect job; something enjoyable and rewarding in every way; consisting of just the right amounts of people time, alone time and creative challenge.

“I think,” said she on waking.  “I think the job I now have fits that description.  Why should I initiate the grueling unemployment routine just because of one or two persons acting like a bear?”

Then she understood with clarity; often the one thing you cannot change is a person.

 God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

The courage to change the things I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference (Serenity Prayer by  Reinhold Niebuhr ).

 “Anyway,” she said, feeling a bit like Goldilocks, “why should I let one or two bears frighten me?  My boss attempts to motivate with warnings, veiled threats and putdowns.  But, I am self-motivated and care not for posturing. What is there to fear?  Serene and independent, I will stay until it is time for me to go.”

And I, acting as Little Red Writing Hood, affirmed and adopted her perspective of acceptance, courage and wisdom.  Because, after all, daily work is rarely a fairy tale.