Patience and Faith in the Universe
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 4,719
Thanks all. Yesterday I got another opportunity to put these very words in action. One of the programs I manage didn't get funded, after 6 years. The loss is not huge; no one loses their job over it. But the ripple effect will be felt much wider than a red line through a budget item in someone's fiscal report in my state government.
Lives won't be lost; children won't go hungry; careers aren't decimated because of it. But a good program ended yesterday, because someone "didn't like it". Yes, it really is that simple. My first response? "huh." and then "well, ok." I've been asked to appeal the decision, since the budget cuts targeted this one program only. But a big part of me doesn't want to bother with it.
It's been 24 hours since this happened, and I still think appealing isn't necessary. Similarly to trying to chase after alcoholics, saying the "magic words" in hopes to change perspectives and force our desired outcomes because we know best, this appeal would be simply to be "heard". To go on record defending a program others (with the power) decided wasn't worthy. If those who made the decision wanted input, I think they would have asked for that BEFORE the final decision was made. No one called me. I didn't even know the program itself was in jeopardy.
But things happen for a reason, and if I stand back and let this door close, I know now another will open. Even Steven, right? And I also know now karma will occur - the people who made the decision will at some point be challenged by the people who ultimately hold the purse strings (our state legislature) and this was a favorite. My appeal will be words on paper; the wrath of a legislator whose favorite program got cut is much more powerful.
One of the most impactful quotes I've taken away from this forum is "when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change". By knowing now that no matter what, life marches on even if its not in a direction I want, with outcomes I'd prefer, I can "roll with it" instead of fight it every step of the way. And that at some point, down the road a bit (not in a 30 second sitcom clip) something will come about that will be a better investment of my time and my staff's time.
So folks, I'm glad you liked my analogies here, because although minor compared to some of the dire situations I've dealt with over the last few years, it shows me what 'letting go and letting God' really means. And that is actually a very simple and easy thing to do, when one chooses to do so. And it really is as simple as making a choice to view life differently. To have patience and faith.
* For clarification, and for folks who align the word "faith" with organized/structured religion, one of the synonymous for the word is CONFIDENCE. When I use the word 'faith', I use it with that definition in mind.
Lives won't be lost; children won't go hungry; careers aren't decimated because of it. But a good program ended yesterday, because someone "didn't like it". Yes, it really is that simple. My first response? "huh." and then "well, ok." I've been asked to appeal the decision, since the budget cuts targeted this one program only. But a big part of me doesn't want to bother with it.
It's been 24 hours since this happened, and I still think appealing isn't necessary. Similarly to trying to chase after alcoholics, saying the "magic words" in hopes to change perspectives and force our desired outcomes because we know best, this appeal would be simply to be "heard". To go on record defending a program others (with the power) decided wasn't worthy. If those who made the decision wanted input, I think they would have asked for that BEFORE the final decision was made. No one called me. I didn't even know the program itself was in jeopardy.
But things happen for a reason, and if I stand back and let this door close, I know now another will open. Even Steven, right? And I also know now karma will occur - the people who made the decision will at some point be challenged by the people who ultimately hold the purse strings (our state legislature) and this was a favorite. My appeal will be words on paper; the wrath of a legislator whose favorite program got cut is much more powerful.
One of the most impactful quotes I've taken away from this forum is "when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change". By knowing now that no matter what, life marches on even if its not in a direction I want, with outcomes I'd prefer, I can "roll with it" instead of fight it every step of the way. And that at some point, down the road a bit (not in a 30 second sitcom clip) something will come about that will be a better investment of my time and my staff's time.
So folks, I'm glad you liked my analogies here, because although minor compared to some of the dire situations I've dealt with over the last few years, it shows me what 'letting go and letting God' really means. And that is actually a very simple and easy thing to do, when one chooses to do so. And it really is as simple as making a choice to view life differently. To have patience and faith.
* For clarification, and for folks who align the word "faith" with organized/structured religion, one of the synonymous for the word is CONFIDENCE. When I use the word 'faith', I use it with that definition in mind.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 32
Originally Posted by Tuffgirl 
Thanks all. Yesterday I got another opportunity to put these very words in action. One of the programs I manage didn't get funded, after 6 years. The loss is not huge; no one loses their job over it. But the ripple effect will be felt much wider than a red line through a budget item in someone's fiscal report in my state government.
Lives won't be lost; children won't go hungry; careers aren't decimated because of it. But a good program ended yesterday, because someone "didn't like it". Yes, it really is that simple. My first response? "huh." and then "well, ok." I've been asked to appeal the decision, since the budget cuts targeted this one program only. But a big part of me doesn't want to bother with it.
It's been 24 hours since this happened, and I still think appealing isn't necessary. Similarly to trying to chase after alcoholics, saying the "magic words" in hopes to change perspectives and force our desired outcomes because we know best, this appeal would be simply to be "heard". To go on record defending a program others (with the power) decided wasn't worthy. If those who made the decision wanted input, I think they would have asked for that BEFORE the final decision was made. No one called me. I didn't even know the program itself was in jeopardy.
But things happen for a reason, and if I stand back and let this door close, I know now another will open. Even Steven, right? And I also know now karma will occur - the people who made the decision will at some point be challenged by the people who ultimately hold the purse strings (our state legislature) and this was a favorite. My appeal will be words on paper; the wrath of a legislator whose favorite program got cut is much more powerful.
One of the most impactful quotes I've taken away from this forum is "when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change". By knowing now that no matter what, life marches on even if its not in a direction I want, with outcomes I'd prefer, I can "roll with it" instead of fight it every step of the way. And that at some point, down the road a bit (not in a 30 second sitcom clip) something will come about that will be a better investment of my time and my staff's time.
So folks, I'm glad you liked my analogies here, because although minor compared to some of the dire situations I've dealt with over the last few years, it shows me what 'letting go and letting God' really means. And that is actually a very simple and easy thing to do, when one chooses to do so. And it really is as simple as making a choice to view life differently. To have patience and faith.
* For clarification, and for folks who align the word "faith" with organized/structured religion, one of the synonymous for the word is CONFIDENCE. When I use the word 'faith', I use it with that definition in mind.
Lives won't be lost; children won't go hungry; careers aren't decimated because of it. But a good program ended yesterday, because someone "didn't like it". Yes, it really is that simple. My first response? "huh." and then "well, ok." I've been asked to appeal the decision, since the budget cuts targeted this one program only. But a big part of me doesn't want to bother with it.
It's been 24 hours since this happened, and I still think appealing isn't necessary. Similarly to trying to chase after alcoholics, saying the "magic words" in hopes to change perspectives and force our desired outcomes because we know best, this appeal would be simply to be "heard". To go on record defending a program others (with the power) decided wasn't worthy. If those who made the decision wanted input, I think they would have asked for that BEFORE the final decision was made. No one called me. I didn't even know the program itself was in jeopardy.
But things happen for a reason, and if I stand back and let this door close, I know now another will open. Even Steven, right? And I also know now karma will occur - the people who made the decision will at some point be challenged by the people who ultimately hold the purse strings (our state legislature) and this was a favorite. My appeal will be words on paper; the wrath of a legislator whose favorite program got cut is much more powerful.
One of the most impactful quotes I've taken away from this forum is "when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change". By knowing now that no matter what, life marches on even if its not in a direction I want, with outcomes I'd prefer, I can "roll with it" instead of fight it every step of the way. And that at some point, down the road a bit (not in a 30 second sitcom clip) something will come about that will be a better investment of my time and my staff's time.
So folks, I'm glad you liked my analogies here, because although minor compared to some of the dire situations I've dealt with over the last few years, it shows me what 'letting go and letting God' really means. And that is actually a very simple and easy thing to do, when one chooses to do so. And it really is as simple as making a choice to view life differently. To have patience and faith.
* For clarification, and for folks who align the word "faith" with organized/structured religion, one of the synonymous for the word is CONFIDENCE. When I use the word 'faith', I use it with that definition in mind.
That is brilliant! And so true.
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Rochester, ny
Posts: 405
Originally Posted by Tuffgirl
Thanks all. Yesterday I got another opportunity to put these very words in action. One of the programs I manage didn't get funded, after 6 years. The loss is not huge; no one loses their job over it. But the ripple effect will be felt much wider than a red line through a budget item in someone's fiscal report in my state government.
Lives won't be lost; children won't go hungry; careers aren't decimated because of it. But a good program ended yesterday, because someone "didn't like it". Yes, it really is that simple. My first response? "huh." and then "well, ok." I've been asked to appeal the decision, since the budget cuts targeted this one program only. But a big part of me doesn't want to bother with it.
It's been 24 hours since this happened, and I still think appealing isn't necessary. Similarly to trying to chase after alcoholics, saying the "magic words" in hopes to change perspectives and force our desired outcomes because we know best, this appeal would be simply to be "heard". To go on record defending a program others (with the power) decided wasn't worthy. If those who made the decision wanted input, I think they would have asked for that BEFORE the final decision was made. No one called me. I didn't even know the program itself was in jeopardy.
But things happen for a reason, and if I stand back and let this door close, I know now another will open. Even Steven, right? And I also know now karma will occur - the people who made the decision will at some point be challenged by the people who ultimately hold the purse strings (our state legislature) and this was a favorite. My appeal will be words on paper; the wrath of a legislator whose favorite program got cut is much more powerful.
One of the most impactful quotes I've taken away from this forum is "when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change". By knowing now that no matter what, life marches on even if its not in a direction I want, with outcomes I'd prefer, I can "roll with it" instead of fight it every step of the way. And that at some point, down the road a bit (not in a 30 second sitcom clip) something will come about that will be a better investment of my time and my staff's time.
So folks, I'm glad you liked my analogies here, because although minor compared to some of the dire situations I've dealt with over the last few years, it shows me what 'letting go and letting God' really means. And that is actually a very simple and easy thing to do, when one chooses to do so. And it really is as simple as making a choice to view life differently. To have patience and faith.
* For clarification, and for folks who align the word "faith" with organized/structured religion, one of the synonymous for the word is CONFIDENCE. When I use the word 'faith', I use it with that definition in mind.
Lives won't be lost; children won't go hungry; careers aren't decimated because of it. But a good program ended yesterday, because someone "didn't like it". Yes, it really is that simple. My first response? "huh." and then "well, ok." I've been asked to appeal the decision, since the budget cuts targeted this one program only. But a big part of me doesn't want to bother with it.
It's been 24 hours since this happened, and I still think appealing isn't necessary. Similarly to trying to chase after alcoholics, saying the "magic words" in hopes to change perspectives and force our desired outcomes because we know best, this appeal would be simply to be "heard". To go on record defending a program others (with the power) decided wasn't worthy. If those who made the decision wanted input, I think they would have asked for that BEFORE the final decision was made. No one called me. I didn't even know the program itself was in jeopardy.
But things happen for a reason, and if I stand back and let this door close, I know now another will open. Even Steven, right? And I also know now karma will occur - the people who made the decision will at some point be challenged by the people who ultimately hold the purse strings (our state legislature) and this was a favorite. My appeal will be words on paper; the wrath of a legislator whose favorite program got cut is much more powerful.
One of the most impactful quotes I've taken away from this forum is "when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change". By knowing now that no matter what, life marches on even if its not in a direction I want, with outcomes I'd prefer, I can "roll with it" instead of fight it every step of the way. And that at some point, down the road a bit (not in a 30 second sitcom clip) something will come about that will be a better investment of my time and my staff's time.
So folks, I'm glad you liked my analogies here, because although minor compared to some of the dire situations I've dealt with over the last few years, it shows me what 'letting go and letting God' really means. And that is actually a very simple and easy thing to do, when one chooses to do so. And it really is as simple as making a choice to view life differently. To have patience and faith.
* For clarification, and for folks who align the word "faith" with organized/structured religion, one of the synonymous for the word is CONFIDENCE. When I use the word 'faith', I use it with that definition in mind.
oh boy, this is excellent. Thank you Tuffgirl!!
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: right here, right now
Posts: 6,516
See that's the hard part for me TG: to determine when to step back and let go and when to forge ahead and try to influence the outcome.
There are times when acting IS called for - and in your case, I would probably inform the proper legislative committee.
There are times when acting IS called for - and in your case, I would probably inform the proper legislative committee.
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 199
I absolutely love the idea of stepping back and letting the universe handle it. There is tremendous peace in that idea. I'm trying it more and more. The more I think a out it, the more the 3 c's apply to sooooooo many other things than letting go of the alcoholic man I love.
Practicing peace and trusting the universe. There's something nicely symbolic about that this week with Independence Day.
Practicing peace and trusting the universe. There's something nicely symbolic about that this week with Independence Day.
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 4,719
Originally Posted by lillamy
See that's the hard part for me TG: to determine when to step back and let go and when to forge ahead and try to influence the outcome.
There are times when acting IS called for - and in your case, I would probably inform the proper legislative committee.
There are times when acting IS called for - and in your case, I would probably inform the proper legislative committee.
I told my staff yesterday to go home and listen to the Kenny Rogers song "The Gambler". We've played our hand of cards for 6 years straight. Maybe it is time to fold 'em and walk away quietly, while our reputation is still strong. Be the one who got away, not the one they are glad to see go.
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