February 6 - The Power of Acceptance

“Smile at everyone you meet. Today, expect something good to happen to you no matter what occurred yesterday. Realize the past no longer holds you captive. It can only continue to hurt you if you hold onto it. Let the past go.” Sarah Ban Breathnach

“It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.” Chinese Proverb

“Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there’s got to be a way through it.” Michael J. Fox

In a world that is often full of challenges, acceptance can be a beacon of hope and growth. It is a conscious choice that can help us transform our lives, relationships, and communities. Acceptance is the act of acknowledging and understanding something, without judgment. It does not mean that we must like or agree with what is happening, but it does mean that we can choose to let go of our resistance, embrace reality, and to respond in a constructive way. Acceptance is a central tenet of many spiritual and philosophical traditions and a key component of emotional intelligence and resilience.

Acceptance is the cornerstone of the Serenity Prayer, which asks for serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. It is also the first step of many recovery programs, which teach us to accept our past and our current situation to move forward in a healthy way. Acceptance is not always easy, but it is a valuable skill to develop. When we can accept things as they are, we can start to let go of our negative emotions and focus on the positive aspects of our lives. We can also start to make changes that will improve our situation.

Acceptance has many benefits. Acceptance frees us from the burden of trying to control the uncontrollable, leading to less stress and anxiety. Accepting others as they are helps us to build deeper connections with them, as we no longer feel the need to change or control them. Accepting our own flaws and limitations helps us to be kinder to ourselves, leading to a more compassionate inner dialogue. Acceptance allows us to surrender to the present moment and live more fully, without the need to control the future.

On the other side, when we choose not to accept, there are drawbacks. Non-acceptance leads to perpetual turmoil as we resist the inevitable, intensifying stress and anxiety. Refusing to accept others strains relationships, hampers communication, and impedes mutual growth. Non-acceptance leads to self-inflicted suffering, prolonging emotional pain and hindering personal development. When we are averse to change, non-acceptance narrows our perspective and limits our ability to seize new opportunities.

Children's boundless acceptance serves as an inspiring model for adults. Maybe this is why I always feel better when I am around children! In his book, In Awe, John O’Leary talks about all he has learned from contact with children, including his own. His words rang true for me. They approach the world with open hearts, unmarred by prejudice or judgment. Children's curiosity fosters an open-minded approach to differences, encouraging us to explore the world without preconceived notions. Their innate empathy helps bridge gaps between individuals, reminding us to understand and connect with others on a deeper level. Children's untainted viewpoints remind us to shed biases, embracing the diversity and potential inherent in every situation and person.

Acceptance is the cornerstone of a peaceful and fulfilled life. It enables us to let go of unrealistic expectations, fosters humility, and grants us the freedom to live without unnecessary worry. Whether in the realms of personal growth, relationships, or societal change, the practice of acceptance offers a transformative journey toward serenity and healing. As we learn from children's innate acceptance, we can embark on a path of understanding, empathy, and connection, creating a world marked by compassion and unity.

Activity: "Embrace the Unfamiliar"

Instructions: Choose an activity or experience that you've never tried before, something that is outside your comfort zone. It could be trying a new cuisine, taking up a different form of exercise, or exploring an unfamiliar hobby.

Engage: As you embark on this new experience, approach it with the same sense of wonder and enthusiasm as a child trying something for the first time. Embrace the unfamiliar with an open heart and mind.

Reflect: After the activity, jot down your thoughts and feelings. How did embracing the new experience with child-like acceptance influence your perception? Did it help you appreciate the beauty in stepping out of your comfort zone?

Looking to inspire future generations? You will love my first book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience, for parents, teachers, and child caregivers. It covers fourteen key human values, like curiosity, compassion, and kindness, offering practical activities to model and practice these essential values. As the author, I can offer it at a great discount directly from the publisher!