Resolve
hit play on the audio above to hear me narrate this post in a more conversational way.
“Resolving a Discrepancy” is a phrase used in Healthcare. A common example is keeping track of controlled substances (like narcotic medications).
A “discrepancy” is the difference between what is expected to be true, and what’s actually there. Or, according to google, it’s: a lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.
I think we have an opportunity to resolve discrepancies in our lives. Could be a conversation that didn’t sit well. An action (by us or another) that wasn’t quite right. A Feeling. A vibe. A thought we can’t seem to place or name. Whatever “it” is, sometimes by noticing and trying to describe the discrepancy — in colors, words, sounds, movements — we can gain some clarity around it. Sometimes we can uncover a resolution in the process.
Let’s try it out —
What’s something that’s on your mind? What's bothering you in this moment? Maybe not “bothering”, but just not sitting right?
I’ll use an example of an itchy tag on an item of clothing.
We’ve identified our bug, the “thing” that’s bothering us. An itchy tag.
What can we do about it?
A. Ignore the tag and the sensation. Do nothing.
B. Continually rub/scratch the itch, trying not to get annoyed when we’re inconvenienced by this incessant feeling. Alert fatigue.
C. Cut the tag and hope we didn’t create a new problem a rough edge.
Do nothing. Scratch the itch. Remove the causative factor.
The end. Is that it?
But…
What if there’s an opportunity to look at this discrepancy in a new way?
Let’s investigate —
Why is this bothering me? Why is it on my mind? Why is it like this? What can I do about it? Is there anything within my power to influence/ change about my circumstances?
Considering our options takes quiet. And time. Processing.
We could do it in music, writing, dancing, anything that opens our mind to creation.
Then comes the doing.
In Healthcare and quality improvement, we call this the Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) Model.
When we give ourselves the mental quiet time to consider a problem, we open ourselves to a plethora of opportunities to take ownership of our discrepancies — these nagging problems, silent itches and, maybe, make it better or different.
The discrepancies we identify can be taking place within our minds, our homes, out in our communities, and around the world. We may find ourselves looking at unfairness, inequality, injustices. That weight can feel heavy, hopeless, despairing. And just bringing it to our attention, honoring the discomfort, and the not knowing — can help us recognize that we just don’t know what to do.
We may need to protect ourselves from the scratchy tag by adding another layer underneath. Or reimagine a whole new way of tagging clothes. Or make our own tagless variety.
We could process this discrepancy by involving a trusted confidant.
Maybe we realize we need another set of eyes and ears to bear witness. A friend, colleague, therapist, the universe. Someone with a different vantage point (perspective).
I’ve used writing and conversations to reckon with many discrepancies over the last few years. Meditation/prayer is another route. Ya'll being here, standing witness to me unbundling my spaghetti brain — watching me resolve my own discrepancies — is medicine for me. Thank you for being here.
In closing —
My thinky nudge as you go about your day: what are your Discrepancies? Where are you stuck? Is there anything you can do to get unstuck? Who else could look with you?
These were a few things on my mind lately, and thinking, writing, saying, and sharing helps me. I hope you find it useful, too.
Love,
Jessie