Riding through

Resignation isn't always a bad thing.

Nixon's resignation worked out for the country and really helped the greater good (the greater good). I'm pretty proud of two resignations I turned in — leaving the Press-Tribune and the one-sentence letter I turned in at Corporation X.

Then there's the kind of resignation that comes from just being along for the ride. Many of the passengers on the Titanic were resigned to their fates. Millions of people are resigned to living mediocre lives, working mediocre jobs. There's the kind of resignation that comes from knowing fighting will hurt too much. In some cases, it's better not to rock the boat.

It pains me to see the fight taken out of someone. But there are some instances when it's better to fight another day.

There's a delicate balance. Do you fight for the sake of fighting, because it's the right thing to do, and risk alienation? Or do you sit back and let whatever happens happen? My instincts tell me to do both. And I've been wrong before — for fighting and for sitting back.

I don't think there are many people who enjoy sitting back and watching, especially when they're right. I suppose patience and a Zen approach are part of taking the high road. It's difficult to take the "wait and see" approach when you know you can affect the outcome. There are times I lashed out and regretted — check that — disapproved of the end result. Some things are better left unsaid.

Yeah, here I go being vague again. But it's not my fight. It could be, but it isn't. I can only provide support, which I hope is enough. It goes back to doing the right thing, and fighting for what you care about.

I guess the lesson here is that sometimes, not fighting is the only way to win.