There comes a time with everything that we do where we make the decision to fight for what we believe in, or run. It’s the classic fight or flight phenomenon. Fight is kind of a taboo word these days. I think most know that I’m referencing taking a stand……showing passion for something or someone you value. And flight? Simply referencing letting go, or generalized apathy. How do we decide where the line is drawn? I don’t really know. I’m not a girl who so easily gives up on anything. I think my current world is proof of that. I’ve moved around my entire life and have had people come and go from my life, sometimes after a brief encounter, and sometimes after years. Sometimes people change careers, or have family moves. Sometimes, it’s one “incident” or disagreement that coule potentially sever what seemed like an amazing connection between friends or partners. Fight requires working through those moments of discomfort. It’s recognizing that to talk through discomfort means acknowledging our vulnerabilities and perhaps even weaknesses. It’s recognizing our emotions and feelings. But it’s also finding a way to resolve those moments of discomfort. It’s accepting our feelings where they are. I would say that generally, if you’re able to resolve uncomfortable moments, you become closer and stronger. I challenge you to think about this in the context of both a professional life and a personal life. Yes, they are different, but your principles and values still apply. You know, there are always moments when we have to decide on what principles we are going to take a stand. I know I’m constantly evaluating that each day within my work life and my personal life. What things am I willing to fight for and which things do I have to let go? For the record, I’m pretty terrible at letting go. In which situations am I fearful to speak up so I flee, at least mentally and verbally? I think we all take time to think about the cost benefit of time and the cost benefit of speaking up. I’m not speaking of monetary cost either. I’m speaking about the emotional toll when talking about cost benefit. At what cost are you willing to fight? What is the end game? Where does it get me, or us, or the team, if I choose to fight on this particular issue? I would argue that anything of value to you is worth fighting for. All too often, people have regrets because of the things they could have, would have or should have done instead of staying silent or complacent. Why do we do that to ourselves? Why do we analyze things and constantly worry about the what-ifs? I mean, perhaps it’s smart to at least give pause to the what-ifs when determining whether this is the figurative hill you’re willing to die on. Maybe it’s my age. Maybe it’s my lived experience. Maybe it’s my hurt. Maybe it’s my extremely empathic nature. Maybe it’s how deeply I love. Definitely, it’s my principles. But, I tend to fight for the things I value. If you see me fighting for something or someone, anyone who knows me knows it’s because I believe it in so deeply. Yet, I’ve learned that I am only able to fight so much. At some point, those on my team, and in my life, need to be willing to fight with me. More than that, they need to share the same passion for the values, beliefs, principles on which I stand…..and sometimes yes, the same passion for my capacity to love……if they want to fight with me. That’s just it. We all have the choice to become stronger together. I’ll be honest, I hope you make the choice to stand with me if you’re in my life. I will also respect you if you don’t.