Fighting, arguing and disagreeing; things no one enjoys especially when its with those they love. But what about conflict? Is conflict bad? What even is conflict? Well, according to the dictionary, conflict means "a serious disagreement" or it can mean "at a variance" so maybe we should rethink what conflict is or isn't. Maybe conflict is a necessary part of all of our lives for more reasons than we may even realize at the moment. The truth about conflict is it can be ugly, it can be hard, and it's not very pleasant sometimes but it's purpose is good.
Conflict means you don't agree with someone or something, it means you stand for one thing and someone else for another. But often times I think the connotation of conflict being a rude, frustrating and negative thing hides it's true purpose and meaning. Due to that view we often cringe at the idea of conflict, and we all tend to stay away from conflict but I don't think that that is the purpose of conflict.
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Here is what I think conflict is meant for; it shows that no two of us are exactly the same. It shows that what I believe and stand for is different from you is different from the rest of the world. It allows us to see our differences, but shouldn't perpetuate anger. Instead it should create settings for conversation and understanding. Not necessarily agreement, but of mutual openness and trust that each side is valid in their view.
Conflict creates a frame for ideas to be shared and for people to have informed and educated dialogue or debate about the topics. Put in simple terms, conflict is just showing a difference in opinion that needs to be handled. Sometimes this gets a little messy but that's okay, we press on and overcome.
It's sad because so many times it seems like conflict is taboo or like we all try to hide the fact that conflict either exist or the fact that there is conflict within each of our lives. It's literally this conflict conundrum that is too often assumed as bad but really is a weapon for good. Although, we fail to see it's light side and focus on the dark side more often than not.
I know our assumptions of what conflict is define how we use or see it. Truly though, conflict is an opportunity for learning, for maturing and for hearing something that might not be what you want. But it shouldn't be avoided just because it makes you uncomfortable or because hearing that word makes you squirm in your seat. Honestly, sometimes conflict is the only thing standing between you and your biggest break through in life. Sometimes you just have to stand up against opposition and face the conflict. It's time we stop being so conflicted about conflict!
