One of the most challenging concepts in all of life is finding a way to be successful in relationships. We continue to have problems getting along, living in harmony with our families, communities, our country, with other countries and with our planet.
There must be a solution that is simple enough to master. The typical breakdown in any relationship is when we perceive other people to “attack” us. When this happens, there is something inside of us that is urged to attack back.
Any idea why? Research by Dr. Gerald Jampolsky, a Christian psychiatrist, indicates that it always stems from the emotion of fear. And, unfortunately, most of the world’s belief system on how we communicate and relate with others is based on fear itself. Additionally – and most dangerously – so is the word “ego,” which wraps itself around fear and haunts us to make the wrong choice every time.
Ego is the king of deception. It works real hard to keep you from believing that love, peace and happiness are its enemy. Ego motivates us to actually believe that we will be better off and more peaceful if we find someone to blame and direct our anger towards. We feel better about ourselves when we act in this manner. We all do this to some degree, all day long, in many circumstances. Ego will keep you from making it right every single time.
The good news is: We are all works in progress. I know that I am. I am working hard to implement what I’m teaching into my own life. It’s a challenge because we are, by nature and default, a negative conduit. What we must simplify is how we see life. No one can cause any pain to you if you do a good job of managing your thoughts and attitudes.