Help! I’m losing my friends over serious differences
Help! I’m losing my friends over serious differences
Issues such as abortion, politics, Gaza, Israel, God, gays, church, vaccines, and so many more deeply held beliefs are causing deep rifts in friendships. These relationships are dear to you. But when conversations drift into these troubled waters, they quickly disintegrate into hurt feelings and possibly end your friendships.
There is help and it’s here
Course Participants Praise Its Value
“I first heard Janice Springer speak three days before the 2016 election. It was a tense time before and after the election, and many people lost relationships with friends and family because they couldn’t agree on politics. Janice’s wisdom helped me to navigate those muddy waters by focusing on changing myself, and learning to see the pain of my neighbor whom I disagree with. The world of 2024 is sadly no less polarized than the world of 2016. Janice’s work is needed now more than ever. Give this online course a try, because Janice’s message is one of healing and hope.”
Charles Owen
“I Know We’re All Welcome at the Table, But Do I Have to Sit Next to You?” is a crucial offering for our times, and for any time, and for all people, no matter their spiritual or religious beliefs. Online class participants will find the material laid out in a clear, engaging manner with a multitude of relevant examples, thought-provoking questions and exercises, and resources for further exploration. Most important is that the author, Janice Springer has lived these experiences and done the hard inner work of ‘loving one’s enemies’. This class comes both from a place of deep authenticity and careful scholarship. You will find yourself both challenged and encouraged. As a participant in many of Janice’s workshops, including this one, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Jean Woessner
Janice Springer has given us a perfect opportunity to finally tell the truth and our way. Her honesty and openness give us hope that we can also succeed to find compassion over judgment and transform ourselves and our community. We CAN become the change we want to see.Betsy Mulligan-Dague
Executive Director, Jennette Rankin Peace Center
Here is how you will transform your relationships from resentful to being filled with gratitude and lasting peace
Get Honest with Yourself
You want to change another’s point of view. You want them to agree with your way of thinking. You are considering removing yourself from further engagement because you see continuing disagreements and a lack of progress in many relationships. You are discouraged.
You will find coping skills that will enhance your relationships with people who drive you crazy.
Bless Them
Is this asking too much? Not if you can begin to see those who differ from you as very much like yourself. Before you can turn antagonists into friends, valuing them for themselves is not a step too far.
You will learn how to get behind the source of disagreements and find common ground that will create space for mutual growth.
Change Me!
You have learned by now that changing another is much harder than changing yourself. Ironically, changing yourself can lead to others changing their attitudes and behaviors toward you.
You will be given specific tools that allow you to safely and confidently engage those who currently aggravate you, yet with whom you want to maintain a healthy relationship.