This is a time of conflict and challenge, pure and simple. No matter how you look at it, confrontation and discord are on the horizon. Others don’t agree with you or see your perspective, and they don’t intend to cooperate with you in any way. This could surface in such serious ways as legal battles, divorce proceedings, and contract negotiations; or it could just be an impasse with a spouse over a raised toilet seat. Whatever the issue, there’s no immediate or easy resolution. You’ve attracted a worthy opponent, so prepare to go the distance.

This is not to assume, however, that such combative scenarios are always a bad thing. Your Warrior Guides are present to enlighten you about the benefits of sparring with others. Competition brings out your best, and unleashes your passion and commitment in what you believe in. It develops your strength and prevents you from being victimized or manipulated by others; and it teaches you the need to respect others, too, and not mindlessly impose your will on them. Your Warrior Guides suggest that when you do battle with others, it’s best to fight fairly and learn from the conflict. Don’t compete just to let off steam. Fight for progress and higher understanding for all concerned rather than just being difficult to get your own way.

Hidden within the drama of battle and competition are the seeds of true understanding and compassion. The best spiritual warriors always strive for a win/win outcome. Your Warrior Guides suggest that you embrace the battles at hand to find your strength and reach for growth. Fight the good fight with your adversaries, but pray for Divine justice to prevail . . . not just your personal version of justice. Their message: “Fight fair, but concede when you are in the wrong.”

The Universe is constantly showering you with gifts. The problem arises when so many of these Divine offerings go unnoticed and are therefore unaccepted. Your Joy Guides are on hand, though, acting as messengers to help correct this problem. They ask you to start counting your blessings, day after day, taking care not to miss any or take them for granted.

Your Joy Guides delight in showering you with gifts, and encourage you to expand your heart’s capacity to receive all that they have to offer. Start each morning by asking them to surprise you with something wonderful during the day; then, just before going to bed, list all the wonderful things they’ve bestowed upon you. See how the list grows longer and longer each day. Their only request is that you acknowledge these offerings and thank the Divine Mother and Father God for their endless generosity. The Joy Guides’ message: “Open your heart, and expect good things to come.”

Your Joy Guides are tapping at your mind’s door, hoping to open it and free you from the corner any narrow or presumptuous thinking on your part may be unwittingly backing you into. If you fall into the trap of running on too many assumptions, or operating on unexamined preconceived notions, you quickly eliminate all your options, leading you to a “damned if I do, damned if I don’t” cycle of frustration.

Your Joy Guides playfully remind you to step back and notice where your “stuck” perceptions might be attracting such frustration. They remind you that you’re not stuck—but your thinking may be. Stop your mental movie and take a commercial break. It’s time for a fresh look and a new viewpoint on all things. The best way to achieve this is to treat yourself to a heavy dose of humor, and let it break through to your unbearable dilemma. Your Joy Guides’ counsel is, as always: “The situation may be critical but not serious.” Join them in reviewing the situation, and laugh your way forward.