Thursday's Thought

We all encounter resistance in the course of our daily existence - whether from a family member, co-worker, or fellow commuter. And in our "me first" society, rather than turning the other cheek, it is tempting to stand firm: digging ourselves in deeper and deeper.

We want to defend our point of view. We want the other person to acknowledge that we were right. We want to win the argument. Minor disagreements become major altercations. An insensitive observation escalates to a family feud. We find ourselves completely overwrought, only vaguely aware of how the argument began or what it was about, and no one emerges the victor. 

How would it change our interactions if - instead of clinging to a rigid point of view - we softened our resistance? What if we let go of the need to be right and tried instead to be kind?

Next time you encounter resistance, can you allow yourself to respond with empathy and compassion? Can you be soft...and strong?