Conflicted Perceptions

"The quality of our lives depends not on whether or not we have conflicts,

but on how we respond to them."

Thomas Crum

Life challenges have groomed me to sit in patience when facing conflict. Listening to others rather than preparing my responses is imperative. If I can understand 'where' the person is coming from, understanding his or her point of view can be seen from a different angle. For me, it is not about agreeing or disagreeing, but on understanding diverse perceptions.

Currently, I have been extremely caught off guard by angry conversations amongst friends. Questioning the defiance laced in loud voices, there seems to be an element of winning or losing. If we don't understand, I believe, we will not reach resolution no matter how high our voices are raised.

Conversations with others, I hear myself offering encouraging words. Meantime, my inner child is screaming with fear, frightened that quality of life will go awry. These are difficult times, and we must join together, not tear each other apart. I believe in peace and know we all must work together to advance towards the life we were meant to have.