Darren Divine, Ph.D., Casper College President

As I sit composing this article and looking out my office window I see a calm, peaceful scene.  The flags on the flagpole are barely moving, and despite a few clouds in the sky, it is a beautiful October day.  However, the forecast calls for very cold temperatures in the next few days, with a chance of snow.   Although this news is unwelcomed by some, seasonality helps us mark not only changes in the weather, but also changes in our lives. 

Not as predictable, but certainly as ever present as seasonal weather changes, is conflict between human beings.  Whether we are referencing something as trivial as a disagreement picking between two different restaurants, or are referencing a globally-significant armed conflict, given enough time, some level of conflict will develop between different groups of individuals.  Accordingly, a pragmatist does not spend time wondering if conflict will arise, but instead allocates their time thinking of ways to respond when it does arise.

Whether the change facing you is the natural aging and progression of your children, or the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one, we all need coping strategies.   Whether the issue at hand is what movie to watch this evening, or what side of a perceived moral issue you find yourself on, the possibility oaf conflict, at some level, is always present.  Avoidance and denial are seldom adequate responses, nor useful coping strategies.

Please understand I am not suggesting each of us go through life enthusiastically embracing all forms of change that present themselves, nor am I suggesting we look for potential conflict around every turn.  I am suggesting maintaining a mindset that change is a constant in our world, and conflicts may arise at any time and at any level, ensures you will not be taken completely off-guard, and thus be more prepared to meet the challenge as presented.  Challenges are not inherently bad.  Properly met and addressed, some challenges can turn out to be defining moments in our lives.  The variable each of us can control is choosing whether we allow such challenges to become negative defining moments, or positive defining moments.