Embrace Debate: Cornering The Market of Conflict

Today’s Topics

• Embracing Political Differences ☮️

• Before You Self-Destruct 💥

  3 Mins Read Time

Embracing Political Differences ☮️

By Jo

Politics is a part of life that can feel impossible to escape, especially in a country where it permeates nearly every aspect of society. You might try to distance yourself from it, but the reality is that abstaining from engagement—like not voting—still has consequences. By staying silent, you're essentially letting others steer the direction. Some might be upset with you for not voting, while others may proudly stand by you, convinced that politics doesn't impact them. Yet, being misinformed or indifferent can either insulate you from reality or prevent you from noticing issues right in front of you.

Through observation, I've concluded that most people only engage in politics when something disrupts their personal lives. If it's not affecting their immediate well-being, it's easy for them to ignore what lies ahead. And that's fine; not everyone has the foresight to predict long-term impacts. But at the same time, it’s important to realize that your choices—or lack thereof—do contribute to shaping the future.

People often lose friendships or create divisions over political differences, but instead of focusing on what separates us, we should work on accepting each other for who we are. That’s how we build stronger relationships—by not judging someone because they support a different party. Think about those who don’t have the privilege of a voice in politics and how their struggles give them a completely different perspective. We need to extend grace, especially when encountering those who see the world through a different lens. Over time, people grow, evolve, and change their views. What mattered deeply years ago may hold little relevance now. So let’s be open to change, both within ourselves and in others.

Before You Self-Destruct 💥

By Marcus

Life is going to test you. That’s a guarantee.

Those “tests” will present themselves in the forms of people, circumstances, and outright surprise attacks.

We all have our breaking points—we’re human. However, when we do break, it’s important to know we did everything in our power to avoid a complete meltdown.

Unfortunately, you can spend your life trying your best to do what you believe is right, and one moment or mistake can end up setting you back long term or permanently.

You can avoid “self-destructing” with a little preparation and discipline.

Composure

Professional button pushers... These highly skilled individuals do an exceptional job of testing you. It’s like they were born for this one purpose in life. I know you could probably name a few people like this in your life right now...

It could be a friend, family member, co-worker, or customer who will push you to your limits. Maintaining your composure with these people is hard work, and you’d be surprised how many people secretly enjoy frustrating you.

Set rules for yourself that when people press certain “buttons,” you should give yourself a few seconds to process your response. These few seconds could make or break you.

Once you’ve established problematic people and environments, you can prepare for various scenarios that you may experience. Things may go well, or they may be bad. Either way, you can be prepared for both.

This is an extra bit of mental work, but it’s worth it.

Removal of Hazardous People 🗑️

No matter how many times you respectfully attempt to explain your stance or preferences, there will be people who don’t respect you. It’s up to you to decide how much impact you will allow them to continue to have in your life.

Some people and environments are bad for us. As hard as it may be, it’s better to let them go and move on. Despite how insistent they are or how badly others want them to be around, it’s your life. Don’t hold on to toxic relationships. They mostly hold you back.

Life is going to bring the drama whether you like it or not. Have the respect for yourself to navigate the storms and keep the peace in your life.

"Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it."
—Mahatma Gandhi

Being respectful can take you places