CONFLICTED?

Have you ever considered how much conflict has become apart of our lives? We associate conflict with war, but, it has become more than that. It has even infiltrated our daily lives. It has become more noticeable with the implementation of social media. Is it the conflict that drives us, or is it the necessity to be right? Of course, victory, and dominance, are extensions of our human nature, so it's easy to acknowledge this point. However, even those who are clearly wrong, will either join in or initiate conflict. Whether the persons involved in the conflict, are indeed in the right or completely off base, passionately engage in conflict. Also, with the establishment of social media, people will engage in verbal conflict, and banish each other to a realm of nonexistence, but, usually only to the other. Which is novel, because, in actual combat, you either extinguish your opponent or they retreat, so there's an actual reward, unless you've both fought to a stalemate, and allow each other to coexist.

Outside of actual combat, how often do we engage in conflict on a daily basis? Have you ever thought about it? We seem to sink into some form of conflict, at some point within a day. This could be as simple, as what team will win the weekends big game, or, more serious as whether or not abortion should be legal. We even find conflict, when defending celebrities we don't even know, and will most likely never meet. Conflicts, in the workplace seem to be the most common, because, we dislike a coworker or are offended by something they did or said. Since, we spend half of our lifetime in the workplace, this is a major part of our mental distress. Then throw all the other conflict on top of all that, and you have a recipe for high stress. We've become so used to conflict on a daily basis, that we look for it. So many, people are either looking for the confrontation by starting conflicts, or becoming uber defensive, in expectation of conflict. So, these people walk around on this tense edge, when really there's no reason to be this tightened up all the time. If the only true conflict is a present physical encounter, then, what is everything else we feel conflicted about? Emotional conflict, because, we "feel" a certain way, about a certain topic.

So, in the end, if you are merely feeling the necessity to express how you feel, then, honestly it's not necessary to engage in conflict. The reason, there's no need, is because the conflict is assumed and not always directly affecting. Sometimes, the conflict does apply, and yet there should be a sense of detachment to the subject, so as to preserve a sense of stability within your own mind. However, having an opinion is not uncommon, and pretty healthy, but, having this battle encompassed mentality, isn't. Therefore, one, should be more inclined to learn to let certain things go in their daily lives, so that they can focus on important issues, that one day will actually require some form of conflict. Most of our emotions, which fuel a lot of our opinions, stem from an egotistical or self esteem standpoint. Therefore we feel that some of these conflicts, directly affect us, and yet, most times they don't. Even if the conflict is directly related to you, but, not affecting you, then the appropriate response is to do what you can to alter the outcome. Spouting off, to "raise awareness", is nothing more than a "humble brag" most times, in which the person calling attention is saying, "hey look at me, I support this and you should know".

Conflict is not, and was never intended, to be a daily occurrence. A reality show shouldn't spark conflict, nor the story arch. People take sides of people they don't know, on subjects, they don't experience first hand, because, they feel compelled to defend or argue, that sides' point. In the end, its an exercise in arrogance when you really get to the meat of it. One of my favorite rappers, Godemis has a line in one of his songs that says, "I don't consider myself a winner a war, if I ain't in it when it's on". All conflict, should be funneled by this principle. In the end, you die. There are some causes and conflicts, worth the fight, but, understand your position and understand the tools that actually make a difference. Don't be futile, and don't take on issues, you don't have the strength to carry. Lastly, make sure, that that conflict is absolutely worth putting yourself and others thru. Anything other than that, is a waste of time, energy, and a sacrifice of the present moment in which you could choose to be happy and at peace, instead of conflicted.  AS THE SAYING GOES, YOU HAVE TO PICK YOUR BATTLES.    -  925