Guest Blogger: Lisa G
I was driving
the other day and a track I had not hard in a long time came blasting through
my speakers, called “Buildings & Bridges” by folksinger Ani DiFranco. I have always loved her music and how
she, through her lyrics has given intelligent women a voice since the
90’s. The particular lyrics of
this song struck a chord with me (pun intended)
“Buildings and bridges
are made to bend in the wind
to withstand the world,
that’s what it takes
All that steel and stone
is no match for the air, my friend
what doesn’t bend breaks
what doesn’t bend breaks”
The message was so obvious and clear (to me); it is those
who cannot compromise, be flexible or embrace chance in life that seem to have
the hardest time and eventually, break or break down. The ability to compromise in life at work, in relationships
and friendships is the foundation for success. Imagine a world that was so rigid, stubborn and unmoving
when change is presented or anything that conflicts with its ideals.
Well that is the world that some people
live in, sadly. I am not saying
that you should not hold your position when there is something that you really
believe in or feel strongly about but choose your battles. Many of what we perceive to be
challenges or negatives in life is just change wearing a different cloak and it
ends up not being worth our energy to resist or maintain our foothold in our
current position.
Try taking a
look at a situation from another’s perspective; it makes the opportunity to be
flexible a little easier. Never
underestimate the power of creative negotiations, there can be 2 winners you
know! I think it would be fair to
say that we all have our breaking points as human beings but I know I would
like to extend mine by trying to be more flexible and open to compromise.
Change is the only guarantee in life (with the exception of death and taxes of
course) so why be so resistant to it when it knocks on your door? Be open and your life transitions will
seem a lot easier. We all have
tough exteriors to be able to withstand what the world throws at us and to be
able to live in a world that can be harsh at times, BUT to actually be successful in it we must find the
flexibility that lies just behind those walls.
