With all that is happening around the world right now, it can be very challenging to maintain a positive outlook. If it is not one issue, it’s another. If it’s not one insecurity, it is another. But no matter what you are feeling this approaching holiday season, there are a few approaches to keep smiling.
If there is an issue with your friend or a family member, the easy route is to just walk away from the situation and procrastinate on resolving uncomfortable issues.
Because there are so many wonderful distractions during these last couple months of the year, unresolved issues can be pushed into the new year, making “the new start” very difficult.
Obviously, it can be very challenging to confront someone about an issue but avoiding the conflict can result in more stress over a longer period of time. It results in more time to dwell and complain to others about what is happening. The lazy choice is to avoid having a conversation and blame the other person. Blaming others and acting like we are never in the wrong is going to make this issue more problematic.
Personally, I believe blaming is a copout. I have been guilty of doing it but I have made it a personal goal of mine to skip the blaming and anger part of conflicts. I try to skip right to the solution. If you are not living in the solution, you are living in the problem.
A conflict happened and it is done. The next step should not be figuring out a way to lay the blame on the other person. It should be laying out a path forward so we can leave the negativity behind. Where do we go from here? How can we avoid this situation in the future? When can we start to rebuild?
Conflicts are a normal occurrence in all of our lives. How we deal with these conflicts can define our character. If we choose to resolve conflicts in a timely and respectful manner by listening to the other perception and seeking real resolution, our character will grow. Being direct and respectful during these types of conversations are healthy tools that will help build and maintain all of our relationships. Don’t procrastinate, be flexible in your opinions and don’t have a negative attitude. Expect the best outcome.
Flexibility and critical thinking can be your tools for getting resolution to difficult situations. This approach lends itself to having a positive outlook. You are taking control of situation and turning it into something positive. It is a rare approach that the population of this world lacks.
With all that being said, the holiday season is now upon us and it doesn’t only affect you when there is conflict. Be a difference maker and try to resolve things. It will set an example to others, ultimately making a large impact in not only your social circles, but to others’ as well.
So invite friends and families over to feast. Listen and learn to love those who disagree with you. Make the final weeks of 2016 memorable and resolve any outstanding issues to allow a fresh new start to a rewarding 2017.
