You guessed it, partner, I reckon we’ll be delving into arguments. Now, before you let out a harrumph and decide to toss this article aside, thinking ‘ole Bojangles doesn’t got nuthin’ new to say’, just give me a moment or two. You see, the thing with these ol’ disagreements we find ourselves in ain’t all bad if approached correctly, much like a horse you be riding – it may buck and kick, but it can carry you real far if you learn how to control its spirit.
The Art of Staying Cool: First Aid Kit
The first step, my friend, is simple. Remember, ’twas Mark Twain what said, “Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living; the world owes you nothing; it was here first.” We must own our own problems, no need to point fingers. Acknowledging you might be wrong can keep tempers in check. If your pride refuses to swallow that truth pill, perhaps ask yourself ‘why you so eager for an argument?’ Sometimes, it ain’t about right or wrong, but egos clashing.
Secondly, take deep breaths. Seems like simple country advice, yes? But when heated emotions rise, lungs forget their role in keeping us calm. They gasp for oxygen like fish out of water, stoking the flames inside us instead of soothing them. Slower and deeper your breaths become, calmer you do too!
Mind Over Matter
Thirdly, and this might be hardest, especially if yer dealing with an ornery cuss, try to understand their perspective. Now, don’t agree with it! Just trying to see life from the other side can cool down your temper. Understand why they might feel like they do; remember we’re all walking our own unique journey.
Lastly and most importantly, remember ’twas your ma or pa who taught ya, “Two wrongs don’t make a right”. In any fight, whether physical or verbal, retaliation escalates conflict. Stay silent. Let them tire themselves out with their own words. A silent man is not always understood as weak; sometimes, he simply values his peace over unnecessary fuss.
Treadin’ The Thin Line: Responding Vs Reacting
Now, partner, comes the tricky part. Recall how a rope-walker tiptoes on that thin line above the ground and never loses balance. We too must learn to tread carefully during arguments, not falling into reactiveness but being responsive instead. When provoked, pause before responding. That tiny gap between stimulus and reaction can change everything. Use it wisely!
And always remember this gem from the Good Book: “An answer before its time is a foolish kind of wisdom, an ignorant talker will come to ruin.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2). It’s okay if some silence falls, it ain’t the same as cowardice; it’s prudence.
Patience is a Virtue
It ain’t easy but like farming or weaving, takes practice and patience. So the next time you feel that old temper rise, pause. Take a deep breath and ask yourself, ‘Am I really this upset over an argument, or am I merely defending my pride?’
In Jesus Christ, everyone is on their own journey of learning. Some days might find us stumbling more than others. And when we do stumble, we apologize, learn from our mistakes, and press onward stronger for it. That’s growth. Keep practicing these skills and they will come as naturally as the morning sun breaking over the horizon.