get comfortable

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As we all know too well, there is no magic gizmo that fixes problems permanently. Anyone who has bought something off an infomercial can attest to that. Just as there is no one time fix for an apple shaped body, there is no one time fix for the conflicts that we face daily as healthcare professionals.

The point of today message is about getting comfortable with conflict. Most think of conflict as a negative thing, something to be avoided whenever possible, but conflict is a natural normal part of life. Accepting that conflict will happen and not being afraid of that truth is definitely an important beginning point to managing conflict.

There is a important distinction that was recently pointed out to me - managing conflict versus conflict resolution. Conflict resolution sounds nice, tidy, and final, but conflict is rarely ever a one and done issue. Conflict can come to us on multiple fronts at work and at home. Conflict "resolution" with one peer can create unforeseen conflict with another. Dealing with conflict is going to be a recurring issue as long as we work and live among other people hence managing is a more realistic approach then the idea of simply "resolving" it.

I recently heard someone say, "Conflict is a teacher" and upon reflection I think that's true. I want to leave off this post with a request for some self-reflection. Slow down - Self-reflection Question(s): Did periods of great personal growth in your life come during times of conflict or times of ease? Do you see conflict as teacher or a tyrant? Could you see yourself having inner peace while in the midst of conflict with a situation or another person?

Something for all of us to remember is to get comfortable with conflict - it's a part of life that's here to stay. xo

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