Sometimes it is tempting to want to judge ourselves or another and misbelieve we are undeserving. This is not the case and we should not believe others or ourselves when these thoughts occur.

Life is simple but not always easy. The reasons for it not being easy can differ from one person to the next but there is one thing we all share in common. We create our lives as easy or not. I know, shocking, you want to refute my words but please listen first (or not) and then decide later.

Each of us is trying to do the same thing. Regardless of how different we can seem to be from another our core being is the same. We crave happiness and contentment and fulfillment. Our approaches can differ widely but our destination is basically the same.

Why is this important? Because from time to time we will create conflict in our lives. Sometimes it appears to be the design of another but all too often we have contributed sand to the mixture that becomes a cement wall. This is not about assigning blame. In fact I believe blame is always to be avoided. It is about responsibility but also remembering to be kind. When I take responsibility for my part of a conflict, it makes it easier for the other to so as well. I can take responsibility and still be kind. When I practice on myself it becomes easier to do with others.

When I remember that even when I am in conflict the other deserves a healthy, happy  and harmonious life it helps me to forgive. And there are always two people to be forgiven. Myself for whatever role I have played and the other for their part. Foregiveness will also unlock the possiblity of a solution. And a solution is always the desired outcome. Because there are only two ways conflict can go. It escalates or dissipates.

So the next time conflict rears it ugly little head in your life remember two things. First, you and all others deserve a happy, healthy and harmonious life. Second, remember to be kind, to assign responsibility and not blame and finally to forgive yourself and the other.

I hope today you have a happy, healthy and harmonious life. And if it did not start this way, hopefully you will choose to end it this way. And so it is.