Reconciliation- a word that makes people feel uncomfortable.

Think about that one friend, significant other, parent, or mortal enemy who has done something unforgivable, pisses you off, or maybe both. We can all imagine our own trespassers. Instead of automatically rolling your eyes or sticking your middle finger in the air, just stop for a moment. Stop thinking about that person and start thinking about yourself. You are awesome. You are destined for great heights. You will succeed, and you will overcome.

When it comes to people we don’t like, it’s natural to fix our eyes on the bad and completely disregard the good. This becomes the biggest obstacle in changing our perspectives on them. Heck, they could probably buy you a 20-piece chicken nugget meal with five different dipping sauces and you still wouldn’t touch it. No matter what certain people did to make you feel this way, you’re still the only one stuck in this dark pit. I’m not saying you have to be best friends with everyone-- we all know that’s not happening. But the point is that it’s extremely difficult to build yourself up and grow as a person if you can’t move on from whatever issue held you back in the past. It’s easy to point your finger and tally up the times you’ve been wronged. However, I think that what many don’t realize is that as you point your finger, there are three other fingers pointing right back at you. In other words, look in the mirror, sister.

As humans, the easiest way to get rid of our own unwanted feelings is to dump them on someone else. Because they did something messed up. Because they didn’t deserve you. Because they’re a horrible person. This way of thinking comes from our pride, doesn’t it? We tend to think we’re Beyoncé: we’re flawless, we run the world, we’re worthy of a halo and we can push people to-the-left-to-the-left if we don’t like them. Our pride convinces us that we don’t need to prove or owe anything to other people. Our pride also neglects our own flaws. Well, here’s a reality check-- we aren’t perfect. We fail in many aspects, and have wronged other people ourselves. Basically, we all suck. But it’s totally okay.

Life is a constant battle, and we’re going to have to deal with people we don’t like. Whether we see them everyday, once a month, or once every couple years, stop letting your issues refrain you from growing into a kickass human being. You may think, I can still be a great person and hate the person to my right. Sure you can be great, but why don’t we strive to be the best? Let’s maximize our happiness by making the conscious decision to find peace with one another. It doesn’t matter how you responded to a painful or knuckle-clenching experience in the past. The way you respond to it right now is what really counts. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, and I’m not saying you should be ecstatic to forgive. But in the end, you’ll be able to focus more on yourself as you learn the art of softening your heart and strengthening your mind.

Reconciliation- a word that brings relief and serenity to all.