"You must not presume a position of authority. You must be placed there."

This has been my favorite "quote" for years now. Not only out of arrogance, since it comes from me, but because of how badly I need to be reminded of it. In fact, I've had four posts about this over the last 5 years. 1. 2. 3. and 4.

Today's number 5. And it's a confession. Because I ignored my own advice.

I entered my most recent place of employment fully intending on following this advice. And I quickly got bored. It's hard starting over at a new place. You are all well aware of how completely arrogant I am. So, let me continue with it for a moment. Some people are quick to recognize talent. Some seem oblivious to it.

For the latter group, on day 1, I am an infant. My past does not precede me. I can not be trusted.

And yet, I am desperate to be trusted. I am desperate to be given the ball and run with it. And when not given the ball - when not given authority - I turned to condescension in order to try and self-establish myself as a position in authority in the workplace.

It didn't work. I knew it wouldn't. And yet, my lack of patience got in the way.

But, now I am in a better mental place. Still confident in my abilities. But more focused on being the best bat boy I can be until they call me up.

Kirsten Jackson is a single mother with diabetes, struggling to make ends meet, living in Des Moines, Iowa.

Ianis Holcomb is a single mother with diabetes, struggling to make ends meet, living in Wroclaw, Poland.

3 Questions. Who do you empathize with the most? Do you feel a moral responsibility to help either situation? And does your answer depend solely on your geographic proximity to the person?