Change

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

-Serenity Prayer

October 24, 2018

Change doesn’t scare me. In fact, more often than not, I embrace it. I have a framed print in my home (purchased before November 2016) that says, “The good old days were never this good.” The theme behind the print is that the “good old days” we hear people lovingly reference were not that good and were often fraught with danger and hardship for individuals who were not white, not Christian, or not heterosexual.

I embrace the changes that have created a more just society for my non-white, non-Christian, and non-heterosexual friends. It probably explains why I love my public health career, a field that is constantly evolving to meet the changes and new challenges. I have spent my entire career trying to make my community safer and ensure the same healthier options for all populations, not just those who can afford to pay for healthcare.

I also understand that there are many things that I can’t change or control. I can’t control the weather or the mechanical issues that cause my flight to be delayed. I can’t change the fact that 9-11 occurred, which has changed air travel. I love traveling for pleasure (on the rare occasions that actually occurs), plus, it is an integral part of my job, so I deal with the inconveniences that arise.

I can’t control the traffic in Dallas, but I can check apps on my phone that tell me whether there are traffic delays on certain highways, and I can control the times I leave for meetings.

There are policies and regulations that have changed how healthcare and prevention services are delivered; some have been good, and some have not. But, I will not be the person who grows angry because of the changes or challenges. I will be the team member working to make sure the services are provided, efficient, and equitable.

I can’t control hurtful words that are said to me, but I can control my reaction to those words (thank you mindful leadership training), and I can control whether to associate with people who hurt me and don’t share my values. I have a new sign that reads, “Your tribe determines your vibe.” I’m grateful for my brilliant, fun, empathetic tribe. They give me hope.

There are many things that I can’t change. But, I will not let it define my attitude. I am learning not to waste time and energy wishing for a different set of circumstances. Instead, I’m focusing on the things that are in “my sphere of influence.”

I control my actions. I choose resiliency. I choose happiness.

I can’t change the results of elections, but I can volunteer to help elect candidates who share my desire to improve health, wellbeing, inclusion, and safety for all. And, I can vote. In. Every. Election.

On Monday, October 22, I was one of more than 55,000 who voted on the first day of early voting in Dallas County. Like me, many of those people stood in line to do so, because that’s what we do. Our voices are important. I won’t squander my opportunity to make my voice heard, and possibly change the things that I can.

#vote2018