The Task Is You

   You don’t have to “put anyone in their place.” You don’t have to “take anyone down a notch.” They don’t need to be humbled or corrected. It is not your job to change them. You are your job.

   How’s work going? Are you minding your business? Are you worrying about the opinions of others?

   “But their judgment is against me!”

   And who told you you wouldn’t be judged? If you don’t want to mirror their folly, turn your attention inward.

   Are you caring for your temple? How’s your weight? How far can you run? How much do you stretch? How much can you lift? What are you shoving in your hole?

   “But it’s hard! And the time! And my wants!”

   You fail to control yourself, yet you protest the failings of others?

   “I just want peace! I just want to be left alone!”

   Yet you carry them in your head. You replay their words, rehearse your comebacks, polish your imaginary righteousness. If you truly want peace, drop the sword.

   “But they’re wrong! They’re making the world a worse place! They’re ruining my life!”

   Will your life be a protest sign waved at the blind? Will you build your house on a battlefield and call it home?

   “These things can’t be ignored!”

   Then transcend them. Let go of winning. Let them misjudge. Let them think small things. Life is too large to be confined by the actions of others.

   You don’t need their remorse. You need your discipline. You don’t need their respect. You need your focus. You don’t need them to change. You need to return to yourself. So return to your work. Not to escape the world—but to become strong enough to bear it.

Do not be the thrashing fish, but the water that flows with them all.