Relationships are constantly facing crisis. Everywhere we look people are in dispute with one another. Companies are in dispute with one another. Countries are even in dispute with one another.

Arguments, litigation, divorce, even war are the products of relationships in crisis.

What is the purpose of fuelling animosity? Life is so short. It's too short to waste precious time with such unproductive pursuits. Do we really need to keep conflict going? What can possibly be achieved by constantly fanning the flame of conflict? But people do it.

When one party has the strength to step back, conflict, or the escalation of it, can often be avoided.

Strength? Yes I did say strength. It takes strength and courage to take the first bold step of reconciliation and peace. Some might consider such a move as being soft or weak.

Allow me to give you an example of strength borne through softness.

The samurai sword, or katana, as it is more correctly known, is made of the strongest steel. Made hundreds of years ago in feudal Japan, many examples of these swords are still in pristine condition. They will stand up to the very best modern steel making technology of today.

The katana gets its strength from the many separate and symbiotic processes that the sword smiths of the era employed. (Re "The Craft of the Japanese Sword" - Kapp and Yoshihara - ISBN 0-87011-798-X - for more information)

One of the most important qualities is the katana's soft malleable inner core. This embedded soft steel inner core allows the weapon to absorb outer hits on its striking surface without serious damage.

There is little doubt that the katana was a fearsome weapon in its time. It still is. Yet at its heart lies the softest metal giving the weapon its greatest strength.

You can learn to be like the samurai sword. You can develop strength through softness. Be the samurai sword.

[If you like this article and would like to use it on your own website or ezine you may do so ONLY if the article is not changed in any way and the final paragraph: "About the author", with all links intact, is included.]

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.