Sometimes
a vicious cycle
starts,
unintended,
when we take responsibility
for others’ happiness.
Sometimes
a virtuous cycle
starts,
ironically,
when we take responsibility
for our own happiness.
Tag: Leadership
Decision vs Integration
Sometimes
we think we have to decide
one
over the other.
As if to approach decision-making
as a problem
to be solved.
But when we approach decision-making
as a paradox
to be dissolved,
we may realize
that we need not decide
one
over the other,
because the two
can become
one
through integration.
Replaceable
There are leaders
under whom we feel
replaceable.
Not because they want us
replaced,
but because they focus
on whether we do well
or poorly.
Planting within us the idea
that our job
is to meet their
expectation.
…
There are also leaders
under whom we feel
needed.
Not only because they need us,
but because they tell us
vulnerably so
that
they need us.
That they cannot do this
by themselves.
That they need
our help.
Planting within us the idea
that our job
is to be
our best.
Thanks to Connie Chun
who inspired this post.
Fear of Jumping
What if
the fear we feel
at the end of a cliff
is less the fear of falling
and more
that we will choose
to jump?
That the fear
comes less from the actual danger
and more
from the lack of faith in ourselves
to make the right
decision?
That we’ll be left
with nobody to blame
but ourselves?
Numbing
Judgment
Mattering
What’s crushing
is less the hurdle
or challenge,
no matter how insurmountable
they may seem.
What’s crushing
is the feeling
that our actions
don’t matter,
that our efforts
don’t matter,
that we
don’t matter.
That we are helpless.
That it is hopeless.
Validation vs Vengefulness
Sometimes
the challenge
is less believing in ourselves
and more believing in others
who believe in us.
Sometimes
our craving for validation
is not mere craving
for validation
but craving validation
from specific someone
or group of people
because we do not deem enough
the validations we’ve already
received.
Sometimes
what we crave
is not mere validation
but revenge
born out of the desire
to prove certain people
wrong.
Isolation of Wealth
Few people understand
the feeling of isolation
that comes
from being
wealthy.
Nor do they
want to.
Which makes this feeling
even more
isolating.
Vison vs Goal
A goal
is something you can
achieve.
A vision
is a guide
that directs your life.
If all we have
are goals,
once we achieve them
we can get
lost.
If all we have
is a vision,
it can be hard
to make
progress.