Episode #114 - Friday The Checkup: Acceptance

What is it about acceptance? Why must I learn to accept people, places, and things to achieve peace. Why can it be such a distraction before I settle on acceptance? The answer often lies in the definition. I will then read you a quote and we will move forward from there.

One of the definitions for acceptance is to endure without protest or reaction.

So, here is the quote. BB pages 417 4th Edition

....." And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, or situation - some fact of my life - unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God's world by mistake. Until I could accept my alcoholism, I could not stay sober; unless I accept life on life's terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes."...

Here are some things we can do to not let things in life be a distraction. Let’s ask ourselves these questions that would construct our internal response.

1. Why does it bother me
2. Can I change what bothers me
3. Does it bring harm to me or others
4. Does it interfere with my present life or goals
5. If I can change it what is the most efficient way
6. What can I do to limit distractions such as this in the future
7. I am insisting on living life or giving to things that would steal my joy

Acceptance is not mandating me that I must agree with everything. It does quite nicely lend itself to the serenity prayer. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” 

If I can’t change something it makes no sense for me to fight it as if I could. Matter of fact, it distracts, distorts, and detours me when taking care of the things I am responsible for and able to change/improve.