After taking a step back, I have come to realize that I recently broke some of my own rules.... Last Friday, I posted about an encounter I had over the phone with someone at the Building Inspectors office. I posted about it right after it happened because I was upset but I never anticipated that it would reverberate the way it did over the weekend. What was supposed to be me, briefly clarifying the role of public service employees, was instead perceived as me telling said employee how to do their job. I was NOT in any way trying to do so, just stating that if all legal requirements were met and all aplicable fees paid, then work should be allowed to proceed in a timely fashion. It was a misunderstanding that rubbed us both the wrong way but I failed myself by not taking the high road. Generally, I pride myself on my ability to put myself into others shoes but in this situation, I didnt. I was trying to operate on an accelerated timeline and was focused on my mission and protocol and that kind of a drive can sometimes be off putting to others. Conversely, I understand that if said employee were to issue permits to anybody that comes into their office without seeming to know what they are doing and an accident were to happen, that employee would be removed from their job. I bet they have some really amazing stories to tell... anyways, I get it. Im all for self preservation. However, if all legal requirements are met and fees paid, then it is the employees job to issue the permit. I also take pride in my ability to defuse volatile situations but in this instance, I didnt. As soon as the miscommunication took place, we both dug our heels in. I hate conflict and I am usually the first person to let stuff go. Even if it is stuff I want, I let go if it will bring a sense of peace to those who are upset. But in this instance, I didnt. I regret that I posted it on Facebook because many people in my local community figured out who I was talking about and offered their opinions or experiences. This was never intended to be a lynching and I do not wish any ill will on her in any way. The reason I dont regret posting about it on FB is that a number of people whom I have a great deal of respect for, wrote to me to speak very highly and positively of the character of the person that I had written about. While this was never about the personal side of things to me, I was shown the personal side and how negative of an impact this situation was having. Feelings were hurt and I suddenly felt a sinking feeling... a sense of responsibility for potentially taking the joy and happiness out of this persons weekend. Maybe it had been a long week and needed that release. Instead, she carried work with her... for that, I sincerely apologize. A simple miscommunication turned into a much bigger deal than it was/is mainly because I have a large public forum and vented. (I am truly blessed and honored to have such a great support system!) In the grand scheme of things, I believe the quality of our character is dependent on how we treat others. ALL OTHERS AT ALL TIMES. It isnt how much stuff we have or what kind of stuff we have. Its how we make others feel through our words and actions. We have the power to heal, to inspire, to destroy, to diminish, to exhault, etc... just by the way we choose to interact with others. Human connection is the most powerful energy available to us and far too often, we fail to take advantage of so many opportunities to build bridges.... because of our own incessant needs. In the effort to promote healing, I removed the post because it was sitting there like a festering wound that refused to close... I regret the negative effects of this whole situation and am using it as a learning opportunity. A reminder that sometimes its best to take a step back, a deep breath and to work on building positive dialogue in all areas of my life rather than ramming our view down someone elses throat. I apologize for any negative impact that my involvement in this situation has caused. Everybody Love Everybody
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 18:14:22 +0000
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