When Push Comes to Shove... In my younger days, I was a pretty feisty chicky. My brother and I would go rounds about things and I learned how to throw a few punches (in self-defense, of course). Even though I was tall and skinny, I was pretty good at holding my own. Those same 'fighter' skills came in handy in the 7th grade when I was 'almost' raped by two teenage boys. My unsuspecting attackers didn't have a clue who they chose as their 'victim' that day. I didn't go quietly. I kicked, I screamed, and I bit them both as hard as I could (and drew blood), and then I ran like hell to escape. It was a close call, and one that I'll never forget.
As the years passed, my feisty side became more refined. Instead of duking it out, I chose to wrangle with words intellectually. It proved to be a better honed skill and one that I could use both personally and professionally. I learned to be a good negotiator, choosing my words wisely and always considering the potential outcome with a favorable win in mind for both sides. Those skills have served me well as a Principal Broker of my own real estate brokerage. I suppose I've become a bona fide Referee too ;)
A few of my buttons were pushed this past week and I felt the little 'feisty' girl resurface for a moment. It's funny how certain things can send a trigger up your spine. I felt like shoving back, but I resisted the temptation. Once again, I retreated to my 24-Hour Rule and created some distance between a few highly charged situations and my emotions. I've also learned to seek the advice of other wise souls when I find myself a little too involved in the chaos. It brings to mind an old Proverb that I memorized many moons ago... 'There's wisdom in the counsel of many.' It too, has served me well.
I didn't have to put on the pink gloves this week, which made me very happy. I hugged, I smiled, I offered encouragement, I said... 'I Hear Ya,' and I hugged some more and we went about our merry ways. It's always a victory when you can resolve conflict with a soft-spoken word as opposed to a few brutal punches. What do you do when push comes to shove?
