Recently, I realized that I’d made an error in my schedule. I’m a teacher, and I’d agreed to teach a class during a week when I was going to be on vacation. I was frustrated with myself but, more than that, I had the thought, “I have to be here. Only I can teach that class.” Within a few hours, however, I realized that that could not be true. I have colleagues who are good teachers, and I was able to find someone to cover this class. I took a deep breath, relaxed my shoulders, and looked forward to my trip. The course would go on; the students would learn. Although I had wanted to be in the class, there was another way. There always is.

Everyone is replaceable.

That doesn’t mean that my contribution to the course isn’t valuable or meaningful. It also doesn’t mean that my colleague will teach........

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