Acceptance

Photo by Susiebloom

September seems the perfect time to address "acceptance". Summer is perched on the leaves of trees acquiescing to fall and eventual winter and we must do the same. We can bemoan the unyielding passage of time, opportunities missed, fading dreams, and potential unmet, clinging to the past...OR...we can accept what is, appreciate lessons learned, nurture new ideas, maintain an open mindset, foster faith and optimism, and continue to grow right where we are.

"Acceptance is not a one-time event but a continuous process of letting go and embracing the present moment."

Eckhart Tolle

Acceptance is the soil from which real peace, gratitude, and joy can grow, and it is crucial that each of us learn how to accept what is in order to fully enjoy our lives. When we accept, we create space for peace to settle in, for gratitude to bloom, and for joy to rise - not because everything is perfect, but because we're accepting reality with optimism and hope - trusting life's process.

Jon Kabat-Zinn succinctly asserts that, "Acceptance doesn't, by any stretch of the imagination, mean passive resignation. Quite the opposite. It takes a huge amount of fortitude and motivation to accept what is - especially when you don't like it...and then work wisely and effectively...with the circumstances you find yourself in, with the resources at your disposal, both inner and outer, to mitigate, heal, redirect, and change what can be changed."

Serenity Prayer

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things that I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference."

It's important to remember that acceptance isn't passive compliance or indifference, but an active, courageous embrace of what is - without needing to fix, resist, or judge it. In my experience, practicing acceptance isn't easy, but as I have mindfully persisted and created healthy habits that support my efforts, such as deep breathing exercises, daily walks, stretching, meditation, and prayer, I have noticed a more profound sense of calm, well-being, and peace, deeper gratitude, and increased joy. When we are able to notice and accept our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without fixation or judgement, we begin to transform and grow.

"Acceptance is the key to everything."

Michael J. Fox

"Accept that you will never be perfect, life will always have challenges, and other people will disappoint you sometimes. Acceptance is the first step toward peace."

Lori Deschene

Let's courageously embrace what is and cultivate a rich soil of acceptance that promotes greater peace, gratitude, and joy in our lives. Let's bloom a little more boldly right where we're planted and grow through life, no matter our circumstances.

We're in this together!