It takes a  l o n g  time to accept some things in life. I have been focused on acceptance a great deal these days. Some times, things are easy to accept... some things take time to accept.

Personally, my greatest challenge is SELF acceptance. Playing with that one is a huge process for me. Yet each time that I accept a part of me, it is like calling pieces home, which makes me feel whole. In turn, my personal power increases and I am better able to accept whatever challenges life presents.

Expectations stand in the way of acceptance. When I expect something from someone and they don’t live up to my expectation, I am disappointed. Of course, I would like every situation or relationship to play out the way it feels right to me. But, deep down I know there is no room for growth there. Challenges present an opportunity to expand my acceptance of life... to step outside of my comfort zone.

Acceptance is to receive what is offered. To accept me is to receive me. All of me, the good, the bad and the ugly. For the most part, I am a good person. I’m a better person when I accept all of me. I make a conscious effort to step into my day with gratitude and acceptance. It doesn’t always stay with me throughout my day, but I reflect upon acceptance and what might be keeping me from it. I was born a strong-minded person, an independent person. Sometimes that separates me from others. Yet my mind is what brings me back to situations, to reexamine what happened and to see where acceptance fits in for me.

Not all of life is received favorably. It is tough to accept some things. In those times, we must accept what we cannot change or change our attitude toward it. To accept what is offered is not always easy. I feel we need to look inside to see if it takes more energy to hold on to it, or if it is best to simply let it go... to accept what is. Either way, we will have an answer for ourselves.

A C C E P T A N C E... it’s only as long as we make it. NMT