Because it's Sunday, a day often set aside for reflection, I'm posting verbatim without comment Geoff Sharp's "Fight with my Father" and recommending his mediator blah blah blog as a way to stay sane in a conflict-ridden world.

A fight with my father: a mediator reflects

Dear Diary
[15 November 06]

Listen mate, if - and more likely when - you're in conflict again, don't think like a mediator.

Next time take a moment to feel that gut wrenching anger that was like hatred in there somewhere for a split second, but quickly turned to a slow-burn and overtime, to sadness then dull sorrow.

Then explore that knot in your stomach as you stewed, having walked away from the fight. Feel the angst at having said stuff now regretted, but not able to be apologised for just yet.

Dwell in the experience of those around you who don't understand that you're so upset or are too busy with their own lives to notice.

Know that time is precious now.

Then later feel that extraordinary dawning of distance, when perspective imposes itself.

And a loving life resumes...

And reflect that every week you sit with people in this same space.

Don't ever forget that.