Best Project 2009: Conflict Resolution
December 20, 2009 by Kimberly · 2 Comments
December 21 Project. What did you start this year that you’re proud of?
I am so happy to write that I am completely resolved / at peace with everyone in my life. It was not easy and it was full of several false stops and starts. However, as of a couple of weeks ago, I can honestly say that I am not holding anything in my heart against anyone. I have resolved any ongoing conflicts (there were only a couple) with the people in my life.
As with anything worth attaining, it came at a cost. I think that the biggest cost was losing just a bit of my “Pollyanna” view of life. At heart, I am my mother’s daughter. She sees the world with rose-colored glasses. She expects the best of everyone and assumes that it is a mistake if someone doesn’t give their best. I’m just like that. I really love to understand where people are coming from and vice versa – not necessarily agree, but understand. The main problems with that though is a.) everyone else doesn’t necessarily “assume the best” and b.) it’s not my job to persuade them otherwise. To just “let go”, accept people for whom they are and to move on – it’s both a bit sad and freeing at the same time.
I’m hoping really hard that I won’t need to revisit this project in the new year/new decade!
Kimberly, that’s great, it must be such a tranquil feeling to have peace at heart. You’re an inspiration to me, and I must strive for such resolve too. Unlike your upbringing, I have to say my folks are basically skeptics, and I was brought up with the trust-no-one attitude. And despite the almost 12 years of Catholic school, I’m not religious either, nor are my parents. I don’t resent it. It’s not necessarily an unhealthy attitude. Over the year, I’ve learned that I don’t actually think bad of people, but that I’m trying not to be overly niave, or to get myself/my family hurt. I try not to bring my kids up like cynics, but I also want them to be NYC-streetsmarts. It’s a hard balance to keep check, but then again, no one ever said parenting is an easy job. It’s the most fulfilling job though, and I love every moment of it.
The universe needs more people to take on this project! Kudos to you! -Christine
Boston Mamas´s last blog ..Cool Construction Cutlery