When life strips away everything that represents comfort and satisfaction, we are left with ourselves and God.
It is where I face reality, my doubts and fears and ask God, what is the next step? It is where I am able to discover faith and hope.
It is a pivotal point because I have the option to refuse this opportunity to discover and implement important insights or hang onto my carefully constructed but ineffective viewpoints.We are left to consider and weigh the costs and benefits.
In acceptance I discover
I don’t have to be what I thought I had to be – I can be honest and real
I am okay with all my faults, foibles, insecurities, fears, anxieties, distrusts, resistance, worries, mistakes, misunderstandings, pain and anger. I am okay just to be me
I don’t have to find someone or something to blame, beat myself up or remain in guilt
I don’t have to defend myself; in acceptance I can start to live a more honest and genuine life.
I can say I am sorry or I was wrong and work towards finding solutions
I can honestly examine and acknowledge my strengths and accomplishments
It is where I discover that all the stuff I thought was so important is really meaningless
It is where I discover God waiting to pick me up, dust me off, give me understanding, hope, faith and strength to take the next step.
This crisis, this tragedy, this turn of events, this unwanted intrusion into our perfect life can be the most important and valuable gift we ever received.
Acceptance does not mean giving up. It is where we redirect our energy, goals and purpose.
©2013 Marlene Anderson, MA, LMHC, NCC