BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Between a rock and a hard place – a phrase we’ve all heard as a descriptor of being in a difficult situation, feeling pulled two ways at once or with a Sophie’s Choice kind of dilemma.
Most days, it’s not that hard, but I think we (maybe it’s not just me) make it so when two things are intertwined – and we need to separate them, I believe, to sort them out and create a solution.
I recently had an experience, wanting to resolve an old conflict and apologizing for cranky words said in anger. I don’t regret the actions, what I said or why, but I was dealing with the uncomfortable consequences that caused me to question my outrage and my actions. Was it worth it?
The consequences go beyond the awkwardness of civil conversation but having to witness the effects of the bridge I blew up because I was outraged by someone’s actions.
I could have kept silent.
It may be water gone under the proverbial bridge, but three years later, it’s still there.
He won’t change on account of what I said, and I won’t change much in terms of how I saw it then or now. But it needed to be put in the past, and it wasn’t going to happen unless I made it so.
My apology was unconditional and public.
His response was not the expected silence.
It was kind and gracious, and I was happily surprised.
I’m glad I did.
And I think I would be just the same if it were met with silence.
So what was that connected to for me?
Stubborn pride.
Nothing else.
Reader feedback:
Now that you’re all techy (social media), it has become more daunting to comment on your musings! But, as usual, Mark you find a way to speak my language. Lead, follow or get out of the way!! The best of luck on your journey . . . . I’m still wandering. Take care, SB, Calgary, AB