Acceptance

 

     For those situations we cannot change, we need to practice acceptance in order to reduce stress and find serenity.  By not accepting reality, we may just be putting off the inevitable.
     We cannot change the progress of getting older, but we can embrace our years of experience and the wisdom that brings.   Accepting ourselves just the way we are right now is better than idealizing the way we were or wishing for the way we want to be.
     We cannot change others unless they want to change.  The time and energy we spend judging others and wishing they were different may not be good for us or them.  Accepting others the way they are is the first step toward a healthier relationship.
     We cannot change the laws of nature.  Our world was here for many, many years before we arrived on the scene.  We learn to accept our place and hopefully leave our planet in a good condition for generations to come.  Even though some people hold unscientific beliefs about our universe, we all can appreciate our home.
     We cannot change the laws of the land without the cooperation of other citizens.  When something is deemed legal, we must accept that the majority rules.  Our democracy guarantees the rights of all.
     We cannot change the past, although we can analyze what worked and what didn't.  We can think about what we did and didn't do.  We can forgive ourselves and others.
     By facing reality, we can appreciate the way things are, accept what we cannot change, and discover peace.