Conflict is an Invitation

“You're invited to be creative and forward-thinking.”

The conflict you are experiencing is an invitation.

Think about a time when you have been in a disagreement with someone close to you.

Maybe it got heated and voices got loud. Maybe you decided to take some time away from each other to think and cool off. During that space you had, it's likely you started thinking about your RSVP. It was either, “Yes, I will attend,” or “No, I will not attend.” You likely quickly realized that you'd have to RSVP “yes” and continue the conversation because you weren't going to abandon the relationship completely.

Then, there was another invitation that came. You were invited to brainstorm how you could keep what happened from happening again, and how you were going to repair any harm you caused.

Once you got to the event, you were face-to-face with the other person(s) involved. They had also been brainstorming about how to move forward. Your invitation had actually said, “You're invited to be creative and forward-thinking,” but the word “conflict” clouded your minds at first.

So, can you receive that invitation next time you're experiencing conflict?