Personal Agency: In Control of Ourselves vs Being Controlled

Location, date and time are placeholders. If anyone has preferences or ideas, I'd like to try and keep weekday after work and central to NW metro area.

Let's talk about Personal Agency. Where are we in control of ourselves, and where are we being controlled?

I have a co-worker who is crippled by anxiety. I don't believe they have control over themselves, instead they are ruled by their anxiety and fear. It manifests in strange behavior, lies, cheating, manipulation. Interactions are sometimes frustrating. I want to help and support them, but at the same time it's draining.

I know I don't have as much control over myself and my environment as I would like. I get tired, distracted, confused. A Hangry Eric might not be the most fun to be around. While I strive for autonomy, I'm wondering how much of my world I can sincerely influence?

If I get frustrated by my co-worker lying to me, why am I getting frustrated? I know they don't really control their actions. I don't get upset with a puppy whose being a puppy, or a student who is trying to learn. Am I wanting to control their lack of control?

Sounds like it could be the start of an enlightening conversation!

Let's gather to ponder, share insights and ideas. There's no "right way", but we can explore perspectives and learn.

On my end, I'm hoping to better understand myself and why I'm viewing things the way I do. Learning new ideas and different ways to think about the world.