1 Life Your Choice

I ran across an article yesterday by Gina Serpe and I have to admit the picture is what caught my attention.  Surely Gatorade wouldn't have made a "Haterade" refreshment line, so what is the deal? Well, as I read the article, this was actually a stunt pulled by an individual. "Kay told KUSA that with the help of an artist pal—one who had the good sense to remain anonymous—he planted 1,000 of the bottles across the state for the simple purpose of creating conversation." I think he accomplished his goal... along with mounting legal concerns and pending lawsuits with the FDA and Gatorade.

Let's talk about our HEART (Relationships) today.  Looking at the news story above, you have to ask yourself, did he really accomplish his goal and if so, at what cost? Have you ever heard of a husband or wife starting an argument with their spouse all for the goal of "starting conversation"?  I have all too often and frankly I still can't figure out that reasoning.  I mean I understand that some spouses, especially when it comes to men (sorry guys!), can have trouble communicating - but starting an argument just to get them to talk...wow.  I have also seen, and in all honesty been guilty of, those making a sarcastic comment to prove a point or to again open the "door of discussion" about a particular problem.  What has happened in both scenarios?  Someone has not thought through the ramifications of "creating conversation" at all costs.

When these types of methods are used, not only do we have to deal with the problem we were hoping to discuss - whatever has been frustrating us; but we also have created a whole new problem that we are either going to have to deal with or sweep under the rug of unresolved issues.  By not thinking it through, we have turned 1 problem into 2 (or 3...5).  So the question is, if we have an issue that we really want to discuss, how do we start a conversation that isn't going to lead us down a path we don't want to go?

Here is a simple list of questions, that can be a helpful filter, to process the conversation you are about to bring up:
1. Would there be a better time to say what I am about to say?
2. What other issues could this conversation bring up?
3. Am I ready to deal with those issues should they come up?
4. Am I at a point emotionally where this will not be construed as starting a fight but rather beginning a discussion?
5. Do I have an outcome I would like to see about this particular issue?
6. If so, what is it specifically?

What would you add to the filter? Comment and let's begin a conversation!


(To read the full article by Gina Sherpe, Click Here)