Peaceful Choices

This showed up in my Facebook feed today when a friend commented upon his friend's status update. 

It's an excellent quote and reminder, though comically, often posted when resentment is perceived. Sometimes it's even a projection of the poster's feelings.

For years, I kept getting feedback from friends and colleagues about someone who thought I had an issue with them. Never did. In fact, I went out of my way to become better acquainted. The response was a superficial engagement, followed by behind-the-scenes undercuts. Others had experienced similar treatment.

I took the high road because personally, I think resentment is a waste of energy. If something doesn't sit well with me, I speak up. If a relationship is bumpy, I try to bridge the gap. 

If you reach out and make your best and honest effort to connect and it doesn't work out (or you are continually rebuffed), absorb the lesson and move on. That's what I finally did. Not with resentment, but with peace of mind and the knowledge that I did the right thing for the right reason, and from the right space. 

---