What do you want from your _____?

I read something this week that asked, “What do you want from your government?” After thinking about it for thirty seconds, I concluded that I want from my government the same things I want from my family, school, friends, and church: common sense, honesty, hard work, compassion, and communication.

I don’t know about you, but I want people to get along with each other, even with different goals and opinions. I want them to desire the best for themselves and every other member. I want them to have the freedom and safety to speak their thoughts with the security of gaining insight without the anxiety of punishment or rejection. I want the leader to be intelligent, informed, and reasonable while also being honest and compassionate. I want individuals to have each other’s back and to be understanding and supportive when life throws curve balls.

I don’t want perfect—perfect isn’t possible. I want leaders to know the difference between right and wrong and work hard to better themselves and everyone else. I don’t want revenge, threats, or cruelty. I like dialog, open communication, and problems and challenges addressed with ideas, options, and solutions. I want trust, accountability, and dependability.

I want not to carry burdens alone—to know I can be vulnerable and ask for help. I do not wish for division, destruction, or harm from my government, family, school, friends, or church. I’m not into war.

Call me unrealistic, Pollyanna, or living in la-la land. From all those systems, I want to be respectful and respected—to be heard when I speak and not humiliated if I have opposing ideas. I want my contributions to be realistic, acknowledged, and appreciated. I don’t want to live in fear of abuse because I disagree. I have a mind I like using, and I encourage others to do the same.

Think about what you want from whatever or whoever you’re involved with. What consistent traits do you want from organizations and relationships across daily interactions?

Know yourself and choose what and who aligns with what helps you like yourself. Spend time with people willing to stretch your knowledge and help you explore the possibilities.

Hierarchal organizations such as government, schools, and churches are more challenging and complex. It’s more difficult to have an impact when the systems are broad and deep, but remember what anthropologist Margaret Mead told us in the mid-20th century: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

It’s good to ponder: “What do you want from your _____?”

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.