This was a challenging week for many of us.
The world was shaken by a Presidential Election in the U.S. that highlights a divide we can no longer ignore. I don’t spend much time on the personal side of social media, but the heart break, the anger, the fear, the euphoria, the Attack of Other was unavoidable, even for someone like me who would rather bury her head in the sand.
It’s no surprise that the energy of conflict hit me on a more personal level.
A client wrote me because he was extremely offended by the use of foul language in our Facebook group. The dreaded f-bomb, no less! He all but demanded an apology and expressed doubt about my personal and professional conduct, though it greatly pained him to do so.
I was forced to deal with the conflict.
Do I concede to this client’s request, apologize and warn our members not to use foul language — when self-expression is one of my dearest values and I personally appreciate the use of a well-timed obscenity?
Or do I refuse to comply and further alienate this client whose faith in me has been shaken?
After a sleepless night and dreams of composing replies, I choose to follow my heart.
Being offended is good for us.
It gives us a chance to challenge our views and ask, “Is this belief working for me?”
So if you’re pissed off about something right now — and who isn’t? — it’s the perfect time to consider, “What else could this mean?”
We get to choose the meaning we give to things.
Choice is the ultimate empowerment for change.
If we can find the courage to navigate the conflict in our ordinary lives, if we can recognize that it’s okay to disagree, maybe we can integrate this country and this world.
Peace starts right here with you and me.
What are you offended by? What else might you choose?
