NOTE TO SELF: CONFLICT RESOLUTION RELIES UPON A SELF-DISCIPLED SENSE OF SELF-AWARENESS

-I wonder if you’ve ever consciously considered how hard it is
For two (or more) people to sit our defensive reactions
(Which, being innate, prove to be natural) in time out so as to
Minimize contentiousness on both sides in favor of approaching
The task of conflict resolution in a manner of
Speaking and listening that proves so mentally self discipled as to
Maintain each person's sense of balance between logic and emotion in
Hopes of cooling down a potentially heated discussion (before
Adrenaline production, racing through both bloodstreams
Strikes so high as to cause the intelligent portions of
Both thought processors to crash into hot-headed collisions) thus creating
A well balanced, mutually soothing environment where
Every brain partaking in the solution-seeking process has
Been caringly trained to meet the universal challenge of taming
One’s own temper so as to brainstorm, together, toward creating
A mutually respectful plan of action, which, step by step, will
Eventually lead toward considering everyone’s needs in such
A good natured, heart warming, long lasting, mutually enriching
Cooperative fashion as to get the job done—Tough work, you say?
Yup—but someone’s strong spirited emotionally mature attitude has gotta
Focus on maintaining (and then passing forward) the role of leadership that
Keeps the ball rolling in a positively focused direction toward achieving
Life’s on-going series of mentally challenging mutually desired goals by
Training each thought processor involved to conscientiously
Good naturedly maintain such a heightened level of self control as to
Engage in brainstorming discussions until conflict resolution has
Served to thoroughly consider the needs of one and all—
Hmmm ...
                                         Who’s bright eyed, sweet natured smile is missing?

Ray’s

Why?

He was determined not to be photographed

Why?

Who knows?

Perhaps, at the tender age of five, he’d experienced a brief stage during
His on-going emotional development when being photographed made him feel so
Self conscious as to cause anxiety to rise

Once our family huddle had briefly discussed that possibility
(Because Ray’s stubborn attitude, so unlike his natural sweetness, had emerged
During photo sessions more than once), we all chose to heed
The voice of intuitive leadership, which
Suggested resolving this conflict by respecting
Ray's determination to sit this one out, and though we all wished that
Our good natured boy would change his mind

He did not

—Good news—

Once this photo was snapped, a power struggle in the making was successfully

Nipped in the bud, and each time hindsight considers the ‘bigger’ picture of our
Family dynamics while celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary, we come to see
The primary reason why a rollicking good time was enjoyed by one and all

Ohhmm ...