After you have assessed the problem, it’s impact on you, and how to minimize the damage in the short-term, it is time to take a look at how to resolve the issue in the long-term. The best short-term strategies will eventually fail if the toxicity is so entrenched that it permeates the environment, or if the chaos is relentless. No tree can flourish if the forest floor is contaminated with poison. Once you’ve got some short-term relief in place for yourself, you can think a lot more clearly about what you want your next step to be. Ultimately, you’ll either be able to fix the problem itself to some degree, or you’ll need to find ways to survive it when it can’t be fixed. Setting a realistic goal is the key.
There are four options for fixing what is wrong: solve the problem in its entirety, influence the problem so that part of it is resolved, deal with the problem as it exists right now, or leave the situation because it is impossible to fix it in any kind of a timeframe that works for you. It is vitally important to take time to realistically assess the chances of each strategy being successful. It’s equally important to think through what the backlash of each strategy is likely to be. There are no guarantees, and only you can figure out what risks you are willing to take, and what costs you are willing to bear, in pursuit of a solution. You know the people, the system, and the issues better than anyone. Regaining your power starts with trusting your gut feelings and your thoughts about what might be effective.
Next week we’ll begin covering each of the four options in depth. Until then, know you are in my heart and stay strong!
