Acceptance

"I am what I am"
-- Popeye

Things are the way they are. You are the person you are. You life is the way it is. You can either accept these things, or make yourself miserable about them.

There are no doubt many things you think you should have done, and many other things you wish you had not done. Accept these things. You cannot change them by pretending they did or didn't happen.

Take a deep breath. Relax. Accept the person you are. Accept the people and the world around you.

Acceptance doesn't mean being passive. If there's something you want to change, then take action to change it. Acceptance doesn't mean that you approve of or support something. It just means that you see it for what it is. That you don't deceive yourself about it.

Acceptance will help you to see clearly, to learn and to grow.

Think of a baby learning to walk. When he stumbles and falls, he doesn't get depressed, or paranoid, or embarrassed, or angry. He doesn't develop a guilt complex, or ulcers, or high blood pressure. He simply pulls himself up on the nearest supporting object and enthusiastically tries again.

In an environment of acceptance, true learning and growth takes place. Bring peace, patience, learning and accomplishment to your life by practicing acceptance.

-Ralph Marston