I often wonder why, in some families, arguing, quibbling, or fighting is the norm – while in others, a peaceful and happy conversation is what you encounter on most days.
There is a saying that one should “choose your battles wisely”. This implies that life has its battles which we have to accept as a daily challenge. We all dream of a world where people agree and live in peace, where there are more good than bad people, and where life limits the curve balls thrown at us.
Be we know that this is not realistic. We live in a society where we are challenged daily with poor service delivery, road rage, and obnoxious people. To “fight for your rights” and be on your guard 24/7, has become a way of life. This could result in keeping your boxing gloves on from morning till evening – and finding a good use for them every day.
However, if you could remind yourself that life is meant for living, you would prioritise your battles and decide which issues you could simply let go of. Is it worth the heart palpitations when someone grabs your parking spot or pushes into the queue? Do you have to prove to your spouse or colleague that you were right and he or she was wrong, or could you smile and move on?
Has arguing or fighting become one of your go-to habits, to such a degree that you spend the same mental energy on big and small issues? When last have you re-evaluated your priorities and formulated your life goals? Could it be that building meaningful relationships and living a relatively stress-free life could be amongst your daily objectives?
The day you learn how to choose your battles wisely, by discerning between important and trivial, might be the day when you realise that few issues deserve a fight.
Source: www.lynettebeer.co.za