How Controversial!

Oh no! Controversy! Do you mean… Oh yes!? Controversy is that phenomenon that can make you or break you. Sometimes both.

If you are chronically conflict-averse or people-pleasing, controversy can seem like the absolute worst thing that can happen to you. However, if you are able to withstand all the waves and clashes, soaring above them or even riding them, controversy may very well work in your favor. As long as it’s not so catastrophic it knocks you out or even drowns you.

It doesn’t mean that you should seek it out and attempt to stir it up if it’s not in your nature. There is nothing wrong with having a quiet and pleasant time, drifting through the sea. But if a storm finds you regardless, you might as well learn how to sail.

As much as we might hate it, there is truth to the proverbial saying that “Any publicity is good publicity”. Controversy gets you attention. What you do with it, then, is up to you and what is within your means.

Typically, the ability to survive and even thrive despite and because of controversy rests in having one or more of the following:

• A clear conscience. Tough to handle the torture outside of you, tougher to do so if you’re tormented within too.

• Firm belief in your stance or flexibility to change it. Trying to hold on to a shaky foundation just won’t do.

• Reliable support system. Friends, family, people you can count on that are there for you no matter what and would even give you a hand.

• Wealth and resources. Hey, if there’s something you can throw at the problem then what is the problem?

• Desire to come through a better or different person. This way, rather than desperately clinging to what may no longer be, you look forward to the training, lessons, and overall transformation it’ll all bring.

Then again, you could simply be so spontaneous and mischievous that it’s all fun and games to you. Beware of committing unforgivable acts, though!

CREDIT: AI-Generated Examples done on Leonardo.AI