Peace

Today is the International Day of Peace. Ironic, isn't it? However, we can pray for peace and for understanding. We can pray for our leaders who seem to be untouched by the mess our world is in. We can pray for our soldiers (and I for mine especially). And for those who work with the displaced because of the world's violence (such as a co-worker's daughter who runs a shelter in the Sudan).

In short, we need to pray without ceasing, as the Good Book states. Not just with words, but with actions. We can make our life's work a prayer -- an offering of praise and worship. The Amish do this so well. So did the Shakers. I think, though, it goes deeper than just what we do. It is the attitude in which we do it. Is it gratitude? Appreciation? Understanding?

I am thinking a lot these days about peace in many ways -- not just in the world, but within myself. As I have grown older, I have come to realize that the most important thing in life is to be peaceful. It is still a struggle, but I am learning that there are things I Just Can't Change. And, I am learning to not be angry about them. Maybe this will contribute to world peace -- just not being angry? What do you think??

In the meantime, here is one of my favorite songs from my misspent youth. Enjoy!

These Boots Are Made For Walking

Have you ever walked out of a meeting?

This seems to be my modus operandi these days. Twice in one week I have gotten up and walked out of meetings. The first time was when a colleague was telling a lie and I knew it was a lie. It was about someone I care about. I had been given the back story, so I knew this person was lying. If I hadn't left, I would have been even more unprofessional. I think standing up and shouting, "You Lie!" a la "Princess Bride" Miracle Max and wife would not be appropriate behavior, do you? It might feel good, but it would cause a stink. Walking out was the best plan.

The other walk out was yesterday from a training meeting. I was two minutes late because the meeting was scheduled right up against the last class period. Students wanted to talk with me and, so, I hung around a did that. They are more important. When I arrived, I was not brought up to speed on the web site we were working from. I asked twice for the address and twice was blown off with a partial address. It didn't work. After the second try, I was told, "Well, move! No one else is having trouble." Read: You are so stupid maybe if you try again on another computer you might get it. Nevermind. I just gathered my goodies, got up, and left without saying a word. Done. Thanks.

As a Quaker, I truly try to avoid confrontations that can get ugly. This means I walk off, but it also means I stew. I think of all the things I could have said, but didn't. I fuss. I clean. I stomp. I say words that my Mother would box my ears over and then make me write 1000 times "I must not say ...." as she did when I was a child. (Never mind that I learned to swear from her!) In short, the anger stays until I wear it out with wrestling.

How do you handle situations where you know you might lose your cool at work??