Life's Lessons in Little Chunks

Once in a while, an idea crosses my mind, and perhaps is, as Richard said someone once told him about his brainstorm: "Anything in your brain is a storm", but here is the idea, and here is why I am posting it on this site.

I was thinking about some of life's lessons learned in the few (little humor there) short years I have lived, and realized that many of those lessons were encapsulated within a short time in an identifiable place, but have profoundly influenced my life, hopefully in a good way. Then I decided to write about them, and wondered if perhaps some of you might want to contribute.

One that comes to mind is an event that occurred at a state institution where I worked a brief stint. The day was rushed, meetings back to back, undercurrents, open conflicts, competitive and turf-protecting staff quibbling--the usual. We were getting ready for a staffing, one of those events where the "Team", composed of representatives from every level, every activity area, every profession represented on the place--gathered to discuss matters of questionable import regarding clients or residents or consumers or whatever appellation was currently in vogue--great time and money wasters. Most of the people were bustling about furiously, or quibbling about some now long-forgotten divergence of opinion, but Rusty, the psychologist, sat at the table, serenely perusing some reading material. Rusty was the only person not to have been involved in the discussion and the only person remaining calm. He always appeared calm. I asked him (he was sitting next to me) how he stayed so serene in the middle of this mess, and his reply was one that I have both heard many times since, and have used myself on numerous occasions: "I choose my battles and this is not one of them".

Simple words, simple concept, not so simple to apply. Over the years the concept has helped me tremendously to remain relatively unaffected by chaos--when I remember to apply it.

So here is my request: If you have memories like that, and if you want to share them, please do. If you are willing for me to quote you when I write this, please say so--whether identified or anonymous.

Thanks.