Day 36

I was working as a manager a few years ago when a conflict arouse between an employee in my department and the human resources office. I decided to advocate for the employee. Soon after, my department was eliminated and the employees that I had come to care about lost their jobs. I believe that this happened as a direct result of my actions.

This was not the first time that my actions brought harm to other people and I suspect that it will not be the last. It's the kind of thing that keeps me up at night. I try to follow the Buddhist precept that teaches us to "do no harm." However, I have no way of predicting when and if my actions will bring harm to other people. It is a dilemma that all responsible people must face.

I worry that the things I write might cause other people pain or suffering. The only way I can ensure that they never do is to write nothing. If I do that, I am causing myself pain and suffering.

I think that we have to accept that our actions will sometimes bring pain and suffering to others. We are not Gods; it is not our place to know what is best for those around us. What we can do is to be clear about our intentions.

What I know for sure is this: I must write with the intention of speaking my truth and must never us my words as weapons.