Yours, Mine and Ours

One of the first lessons, I had to learn when I started my walk to peace concerned what was mine, what was yours and what was ours.

Relationships, all relationships, are wonderful teachers. The way, you and I interact. The way I feel, in response to your actions, your words, your looks. All of these elements of relationship, and more subtle aspects, help me understand what is mine and what is yours.

Eventually, I learn that I can only be responsible for my own peace. Prior to this realization, I want to blame you for my state of mind. But, as I mature, it becomes obvious that only I have the power to make myself happy. You enhance my life, when I view the relationship in that way, and you add to my discomfort when I make that choice. Regardless, the power to choose peace is mine, no matter how hard I try to give that away.

When I finally learned that lesson, I wanted everyone to know it. So, I thought it best to spread the word. If you showed anger, at some action of mine, I was quick to tell you that you have the power to be angry or not. Don’t blame me for your choice of anger, I would have said.

The truth is, in relationship, it is in my best interest to treat you in the same loving and compassionate way I wish to be treated. That includes, not telling you, at least not in the heat of the moment, where you are failing to choose peace.

The best action I can take, to teach those around me peace, is to emulate peace.

Peace is mine. It is mine to claim. It is a choice I can make.

I now know that by pointing out the less than peaceful choices you make, I am not moving us closer to a peaceful relationship. When you are having stressful moments, I will strive to only show you love. I will seek to be the peace I want the whole world to become.