Did you know that this holiday was originally called Decoration Day? It was born as a commemoration to the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, the occasion was extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service, and renamed Memorial Day. As a result of the Civil War, a new theme of death, sacrifice and rebirth entered the national consciousness, imprinting a quasi-spiritual component to a secular event. Memorial Day gave ritual expression to these themes, integrating the American community with a sense of nationalism.

Beyond remembrance of those who made “the ultimate sacrifice,” is it not time that we seriously question the impulse to go to war, whether it is between nations, between people, or within ourselves? The human race has made great strides in terms of technological advancements, particularly in our lifetime. Yet the daily news is still fraught with violent conflict, from international to individual to suicidal.

Conflict is a fact of life, but how we manage it provides a benchmark as to whether we are evolving or essentially bestial in our mentality. It would be amazing on this holiday to celebrate the mastery of conflict, while we remember and honor those who suffered the consequences of conflict.

Imagine for a moment you’re a contestant on a business game show version of Jeopardy. Here’s the answer(s): Loss of potential customers; Loss of management morale; Loss of media outlet support Question: What happens if a company’s Board of Directors refuses to honor an agreement made by management? Such was the incredulous situation while planning an itinerary for a trip a few years ago. I initiated contact with a very elegant hotel property, via e-mail. The offer I made was to promote them in my publication called The Replenisher, in exchange for accommodations. Included in the e-mail text was a link to the web page showing our publication background and subscriber demographics. Hotel management accepted the offer in writing (e-mail); in effect, a simple contractual agreement with all the pertinent details.

When we’re being held hostage by our own thoughts of fear, uncertainty, upsets, anger, or depression, “losing your mind” (figuratively speaking) is the pick that can often break the ice. That non-supportive noise between our ears can vanish in the face of bold, outrageous, unconventional, or even silly action-taking. Recently I had a frustrating experience with a supplier, and rather than yell at them on the phone, I opted to sing my complaint to the customer service rep in an operatic voice. When I finished, she laughed hysterically and said, “Hold on, I want my supervisor to hear this.” So I sang again and we were all laughing hysterically. They even gave me free shipping for the next two orders! When feeling stuck, break with the norm and observe how more alive and resourceful you become. Excerpt from the best selling book, "When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Lighten Up!" © 2013 Mental Floss Publications All Rights Reserved