THE ZOO-KEEPER - 103/365

"Why do I have to take care of EVERYBODY - can't they just take care of themselves for a change? They're always yelling and screaming about something - it's just a zoo around here.... I'm getting a headache."

My Reflection:

Nothing makes me more uncomfortable than discord between other people. But trying to be the one managing that, can feel like trying to get the monkeys and tigers in the zoo to play together in the same cage.

I'm wondering if some people just aren't meant to get along. And when I try and "fix things" between them, all I end up doing is taking away the opportunity for them to learn something about themselves and come to a better conclusion than I could ever bring about.

Perhaps I need to learn to be with my own "discomfort" before trying to manage the "harmony" I think someone else should be experiencing.

Question:

How do you keep the peace?

THE PEACEMAKER - 70/365

"Frankly, I think you're BOTH nuts but, of course, I won't say this out loud - instead I'll pretend I'm interested in YOUR side of the story then HIS side then YOUR side then HIS side...on and on and on until I think my head will explode.

I wonder what would happen if my head DID explode and all of my REAL thoughts were to hit you in the face? I suppose that would bring the two of your together now wouldn't it?"

My Reflection:

When I find myself in the middle of two people at odds, it's important that I remain neutral in order to help bring about a peaceful solution. But is it really possible to feel "neutral?" And is it MY job to keep the peace - shouldn't I allow people the opportunity to work through their own conflicts?

I'm beginning to learn that I can be much more helpful when I simply listen, acknowledge someone's feelings and wait patiently for them to come to their own place of peace.

Question:

How do you feel about conflict?