When I get a pizza I like my pizza with fresh mozzarella and loaded with veggies. A friend of mine likes her pizza with pepperoni. Even though we like different pizzas we remain good friends. The same should apply if we had different ideas about football teams or politics. When we let what we want or like get in the way of our relationships with others, something is wrong. Friendship, kindness, and respect are better choices.
politics
Conquering Unwanted Thoughts: Strategies for a Peaceful Mind
What are you thinking about today? Do you have days where some event or person grabs hold of your mind and refuses to leave? I have. The best way I’ve learned to deal with unwanted thoughts that want to hang out with me is to ignore them. I tell the intrusive thoughts (literally) to enjoy the visit but I’m too busy to have a conversation with them. It seems the more we grapple with with our intrusive thoughts, the stronger or more intense the unwanted thoughts get. It’s a lot like having a conversation with someone you know who wants to argue. If you give in and start arguing, the whole thing escalates. It’s exactly what this person wants. I faced this situation a few weeks back when I met a friend at one of my shopping venues. The conversation started out smoothly then he tossed a political topic out. It was gentle enough but the answer I gave him was not the answer he wanted. He escalated it. I said, “I don’t want to have this discussion. I’m going to be on my way. Have a great day.” I left. I saw him two days later and we had another conversation without him delving into politics. I’ll admit I could have tried to change the topic; however, it’s not a smooth transition from politics to how do you make homemade salsa.
Something to Think About
The poet, Matsuo Bashu, wrote, “Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.” It’s a common occurrence for people to place all their hopes and energy in one person. We see this all the time in politics. It’s as if they believe the person whom they place all their hopes in holds the keys to the doors to happiness, prosperity, and security. Instead, as Bashu suggests, it is better to seek what they are seeking if it is the good you are seeking.
Something to Think About
What’s for dinner? How many times have you asked that question? Dinner is the time and place when we gather with those close to us and share a meal. The day is over, dinner marks the transition from work to relaxation. What we eat at dinner is important; however, it may not be as important as the conversations that take place around the table. When we sit at the dinner table we have an opportunity to learn about each other’s day. We have the opportunity to share our journey. The conversation may be about the day’s work or it may be about politics. Wherever the dinner conversation leads, it offers the opportunity to bring people closer together.
