Day 19_Beauty in the World

Hello there! Are you feeling the beauty that's all around you?

Yes, it's there. Sometimes you have to look closely. Maybe it's a friendly face. Maybe it's a happy sound that intrigues you. Maybe it's an LOL text.

Beauty has the power to inspire joy and avert drama.

Try this. Jump up to the video icon and watch Macy Gray's 'Beauty in the World.'

We hope Ms. Gray's music will put a smile on your face. Tell us if you enjoyed the clip when you've finished.

The tips we're passing on to you are based on the assumption that the person you're having conflict with is generally reasonable and rational.

He or she has proven over time that they have your best interests in mind.

If this is true, then there's a very important perspective to maintain when drama looms. As mad as the person makes you, fight the need to criticize or, worse, be sarcastic.

These tendencies mar the beauty that we should see in that person who cares enough to stay with us in the conversation.

Describe what you can do to avoid the temptation to be critical or mocking - even in your thoughts - the next time you have a disagreement.

Here's another way out.

Instead of giving in to the urge to point out everything wrong about the other person, why not try our final Drama Buster?

Drama Buster #10: Forgive.

Letting go of a grudge is the only real way to keep that lovin' feelin'. Oh, and the same goes for the way you talk to yourself in the middle of an argument.

It's important to start dealing with your own negative thoughts about what you should or shouldn't have said or done before you can really forgive others.

Is it time to make peace with yourself?

It helps to focus on the beauty we see in the world.

Doing so helps push back those nagging, critical thoughts that so easily pop up when things look like they're going sideways.

Take a moment now to take it in. Look up. Look around you. Look at people's faces. Listen to children's laughter. Listen for the sounds of birds. Smile big, and look at your face in the mirror.

Yes, there is beauty in the world.

Describe the beauty you noticed all around you including yours.

Take another moment to think about the person who has shown you the most love and respect, but when you argue, it just seems to evaporate.

Describe all the qualities that you appreciate about that person.

Will you make it a habit to drop back and remember the beauty they bring to your life when conflict threatens to make you see only the worst in them?

*We're only talking about people who have a history of being reasonable, rational and respectful to you.

While you're at it, will you remind yourself about the beauty you bring into the world?

Bye for now.