Gary, you've figure it out—I've had a spy plane trained on you! Seriously, though, I'm so glad to hear about your work in local politics. The world needs more leaders with thoughts and actions like yours! It's interesting that you brought this up, because my dad has been president of a school board for a few years now—I imagine he has to be very good at this sort of balance. You described it just right: Sometimes it's important to take the time to work with people and bring them along; other times it's better to "Seek new minds that share your view and rally the tribe." Good luck!

Carmen, great idea—let's get matching tattoos! :) Thanks for supporting me in this alternate way of "taking care of business." I guess you know me well enough after all these years to understand which path I should be veering toward.

Amy, too funny. What I want to know, though, is whether over-engaging (in the example you gave) gets you more worked up in an unhealthy way, or if it helps you work all of your ideas and thoughts out of your system, leaving you to sleep in peace. For me it can go either way, which is what I need to be monitoring.

cynthia, here's to working things out by "thinking" out loud (which is what we're all doing here, right?). I can really relate to your description of rehearsing conversations and drafting emails (maybe not all night, but I have been known to devote way too much time to such pre-communications). From your description of yourself (and my understanding of human nature), I don't think you'll have any problem turning your engaging passions back on, once you give yourself permission to. But maybe you need to set some guidelines for yourself? Maybe you'll debate certain types of people but not others (people you know/don't know, family/friends, etc.). Or maybe there are certain topics that you quickly get too passionate about, so you need to decide not to go there. I don't know. It's a difficult balance, but I hate to think of someone passionate and opinionated hiding out in their kingdom behind a high wall. I have a feeling you were designed the way you are for a reason—your voice needs to be heard.

Daisy, I can imagine that peacemakers are rare in politics. Your skills are clearly needed! As I mentioned to Gary (above), I think my dad has managed to hone peacemaking skills while still feeling passionate about issues he feels are critical for the kids in his school district (and he was a teacher his entire career, so he knows that side, too). You said it just right here: "It is tough to leave my inner peacemaker by the roadside, get in the thick of things, and still know when to re-engage my peacemaker self to help me disengage at the right time." Now I think you have to trust your gut (and see if you can get it to speak up a bit more clearly!).

Trina, I think agreeing to disagree is a really powerful stance for two people or groups to make. It takes a lot of maturity and respect to really do it, and feel like you can both move forward in a way that's meaningful to you. It's when you feel it has left you at an utter standstill that it really stinks, though. Why does life have to present so many nearly impossible balancing routines? (I really like the WIN concept, though—I've never heard it like that before.)