Welcome back to the The Spiritual Serenity Series: 7 Steps to Inner Peace and Happiness. Last week we looked at the first step, Awareness. This week we’re looking at:
Step 2: Acceptance
As a result of step one, Awareness, we’re now aware that we need to change some aspect of our life in order to find happiness. Yet simply being aware will not accomplish anything. Especially if we’re unwilling to change that aspect of our lives. This is where acceptance comes in. We must be able to accept what it is we need to change. If we can’t get to a place of acceptance, that is recognizing and owning what is standing in our way, we’re stuck. Denial is a word that comes to mind here.
It’s important to note that just because I accept something does not mean I have to like it. Early on this was difficult for me to understand, but as I grow spiritually, acceptance because easier—even if means facing something uncomfortable—because I know I will grow from it.
The most difficult part of acceptance is… **drum roll please** knowing that once I accept something, I am responsible. And if I’m responsible, I’m the only one that can do something about it. If I want to change that is.
“Acceptance is not submission; it is acknowledgement of the facts of a situation. Then deciding what you’re going to do about it.”
-Kathleen Casey Theisen
That’s right, me, no one else. The blame game is over. I can no longer play the victim and blame someone else for my misfortune.
OK, so I surrender. I accept the fact that I need to change, what now?
Next up, Step 3: Identification.
photo credit: h.koppdelaney