Because you can’t keep away the drama—but you can protect your peace.For me, working in healthcare, especially behind the scenes in a pathology lab, means constantly balancing precision and patience. It’s a place where tissues are labeled urgently, mistakes can have major consequences, and someone is always slamming a cabinet just a little too hard.

And let’s be real: dealing with difficult coworkers on top of everything else? It comes with every workplace. That’ll test your spirit and your caffeine supply.Over the years (and many passive-aggressive moments later), I’ve learned to lean on my gut—both literally and metaphorically—and some unexpected wisdom from “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz.

If you’re looking for a way to protect your peace in a high-pressure environment, keep reading. This one’s for all of us trying to keep our inner zen intact while someone breathes loudly near the cryostat (or your random workplace landmark).

1. The Passive-Aggressive Olympics: Events include: exaggerated sighing, eye rolls, and the art of speaking aloud about someone without stating their name.

At first, you try to be chill. Professional. Graceful, even. But after the third “Hope this helps!” email that reads like a threat, it’s hard not to fantasize about switching careers to something peaceful—like goat herding.That’s when The Four Agreements comes in clutch.

Agreement #1:

Be impeccable with your word. It’s about choosing clarity over clapbacks. When you keep your responses clean and intentional, you win—not by out-snarking them, but by rising above the game.

2. People who don’t work hard. Not Everyone Has the Range (and That’s Okay) Lower your expectations. No, like… a little more. No, a lot more.

There you go.Some people don’t double-check their work. Some peo don’t pull their weigh, disappear, or avoid the work like it’s their job to do so, some people leave the microtome looking like a meat slicer disaster. You want to scream—but then you remember:

Agreement #3: Don’t make assumptions.

You don’t know what’s going on in their world. And assuming their chaos is personal? That just drains your mental energy. Accept it. Adjust. Move on with your excellence.

3. Petty ass people

Yes, you could go full Scorpio. But should you?

There’s power in not reacting. In pausing before you fire off a “per my last email” masterpiece. Agreement #2: Don’t take anything personally. That snippy tone? That wasn’t about you. That weird comment? Probably their own stress leaking out sideways.The less you internalize their energy, the more you protect your own. That’s not weakness—it’s strategy.

4. People who deplete your energy and put you in a bad mood…

Your Energy Is a Limited Resource—Spend It Wisely

You can’t pour from an empty specimen cup.Healthcare workers are expected to do a lot—fast, accurately, and often with zero acknowledgment. But you don’t have to spend your energy trying to change people who don’t want to grow.Use that energy instead to build yourself up. Take the long route to the breakroom. Save your bandwidth for patients and people who matter.Agreement #3 again reminds us: Don’t make assumptions—especially about what others are capable of. Let it go. Choose your peace.

5. Zen and the Art of Microtomy/Inner peace, one paraffin block at a time. Or whatever it is you are good at and do well at your job.

There’s something oddly sacred about cutting slides when you’re in the zone.

Agreement #4: Always do your best. Not perfect. Not overachieving. Just your best—right now, with what you’ve got.Find your rhythm. Your soundtrack. Your calming ritual. Microtomy might not be a spa treatment, but it can still be meditative if you let it.

6. When to Speak Up and When to Peace OutDiscernment: the grown-up version of “pick your battles.”

Sometimes, speaking up is necessary. Other times, the real move is stepping back and protecting your peace. The Four Agreements are your compass here:Be clear.Don’t take it personally.Don’t assume.Do your best.When those guide your actions, you can navigate even the messiest workdays with grace—and without losing your mind.

Final Thought

Your job is important. But your peace is sacred.Difficult coworkers will come and go. Your nervous system? You’re stuck with it. Choose the path that supports your sanity—even if it’s lined with passive-aggressive sticky notes.—Want more gut-honest takes on life, work, and actual guts?Visit cassie_lee_barnard.com for more blog posts, behind-the-scenes lab life, and relatable insights into GI health from someone who lives it daily—IBS and all.