We were put here on this earth to help each other. Not everyone understands this concept. Turmoil erupts when fear overtakes emotions, driving people to take action based on such negative emotions as jealousy, greed, and selfishness. Instead of responding in kind with anger, we can break the chain of negativity by countering such behavior with understanding and kindness.
It is very challenging at times to counter negativity with positive actions because our own shock and pain need to be dealt with before we can proceed. Sometimes our first instinct is to lash out at the person or people who hurt us. If anger or pain is coloring your thoughts, take a few steps back from the source of the negativity. Look at the situation from all points of view through an honest assessment of the behaviors of both you and the party involved that led to the problem. Come up with ideas for solutions that would create the most positive resolutions for everyone involved.
First and foremost, be honest with yourself and the other person or people involved. Set up a time to talk about the situation from a standpoint of trying to resolve it in the most positive way for all. Present your ideas, actively listen to the feedback you receive, work through the issue by allowing each person to express their thoughts, and do your best to move past the problem. Remember to extend forgiveness and to release the issue, knowing that it has been resolved.
If in your contemplation or discussions, you realize that the best solution would be to end the relationship due to unreconcilable differences, bring it to close with kindness, grace, and honor. Wish them well, pray for their health and happiness, and move on with your life.
When you have your own moments of behaving badly, apologize to the person you hurt. Let them know that you are sorry and mean it by not repeating the same negative or hurtful behavior. This will go a long way toward mending your relationship. Forgive yourself, too. We are all human and make mistakes. But to be a better person, we need to learn from our mistakes and we need to treat ourselves and others with kindness.
Try to be the best person that you can be despite the turmoil around you. Take the high road and choose to counter negative situations with positive reactions. We cannot control all of the events that occur in our lives, nor can we control the behaviors of others. We can control our own actions and reactions, though, and decide to look beyond the negative behaviors of others by displaying understanding, kindness and grace in the face of adversity and turmoil. By doing so, you will notice the peace and calm in your own life. At the same time, you will be showing others that fears and turmoil are often based on misunderstandings that can be resolved, or even prevented, with compassion and empathy. In this way, we fulfill our soul contracts to help each other as we live our lives on this earth.
With Light and Love,
Karen T. Hluchan
