Passion has never been my problem. Most mornings begin with energy for the day ahead — eager for new tasks, new opportunities, and the unknown surprises that keep life interesting. Change is a tool that disrupts boredom. Even failure becomes a teacher when allowed to be.
Getting to that mindset took years — and there’s still a long way to go.
Yet passion can also push commentary where it doesn’t belong. The desire to debate, to challenge ideas, can shift quickly into saying something best left unsaid.
In a digital world where anyone can blast out a take in seconds, it’s easy to get caught up. One politician or another spouts something infuriating — incorrect, perhaps even dishonest — and the blood starts to boil. The temptation arises to “set the record straight,” to call out bad thinking, to put someone in their place.
But that doesn’t mean it’s the right move.
Just yesterday, a fiery critique was nearly published — data gathered, arguments sharpened, I was ready to expose political spin for what it was.
Then a wiser, better man stepped in and said: Stop.
With calm and respect, he pointed out that the draft sounded less like fact and more like retribution. “People recognize that,” he said. “No need to get pulled into the same game you’re writing against.”
It was a needed wake-up call.
Human nature is flawed — even among the best of us. Mistakes are plentiful. That commentary would have been another one. Thankfully, there are people willing and caring enough to speak up before the damage is done.
That man earned deep gratitude, respect, and a renewed commitment from me to do better.
If ego ever starts expanding beyond its proper size again, may he — and others like him — be there to tug it back down. Accountability isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. We all need it.
And during this week of thanks, there’s real gratitude in my heart for that gift and that grace.