When we face a conflict we face an opportunity to learn from the pain caused by the conflict. It’s like putting your hand against a hot burner on a stove. The burn warns that you have to do something differently. However, our natural inclination when we experience conflict is to outsource the blame, making it impossible to get the lesson and to move on-it is always someone else's fault. And, as a result of not learning our lesson, many of us live in a constant or re-occurring experience with conflict. We experience the same fights and struggles with a varied cast of characters-but always the same conflict. It’s the same story running over and over. In its most basic form, the story is: I have been wronged by someone who does not see my value. They are self-centered and are not considering my point of view. Oddly enough, that story is also the story we ourselves are actually acting out. We are refusing to see the others’ point of view; maybe because it puts our own sense of self at risk. And, in the end, all our conflicts can boil down to winning and losing. Today, consciously begin to change the way you look and deal with the conflict in your life. Allow yourself to instead of letting your ego lead you, let compassion guide you. Today, let go of your perspective long enough to feel another person’s pain-to have compassion for them. Release your need to be right or to win. Take responsibility for yourself and your feelings by acknowledging that in reality no one has the power to "make" you feel anything, except you. Today, set your intentions to use the conflict in your life as an opportunity to grow. Use the conflict as an opportunity to learn to accept other people's limitations and to take care of yourself without feeling indignant, bitter, or self-righteous. If you can do that, you can grow, and move through the pain toward compassion.

Just for today, the kinder I am to others, the more kindness I attract. Divine peace and harmony surround me and dwell within me. I feel tolerance, compassion and love for all people including myself. I now create a wonderful new day and a wonderful new future. I am safe. It is only change and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.