The first time I heard that if I wanted to stop suffering, all I needed to do was accept, I didn't exactly "accept" that news with open arms. Doing so would have required my giving up on having things be different! And, I came to realize the freedom that acceptance can provide.
A simple example of the way acceptance can work is that every summer I find that I develop a bit of a "south of the border" disposition. I don't work at the same pace all day. I find myself wide awake at 5:15 a.m. and wanting a nap at 2:00. I start to balk at the pattern until I remember that this is the way my body works during the hottest summer months. Why fight it! If I want to get as many productive hours in, just start earlier! Fortunately, I am self-employed so this can happen. And, I have heard of those in corporate settings who close their office door or go to their car for their siesta.
I saw a wonderful example of accepting the temperature and its impact when I traveled years ago in Europe, particularly in Greece. In Greece people disappeared from the streets in the afternoon and then there was great activity and conviviality in the late afternoons and night. They know how to accept the weather as a friend.
As women over forty-five, accepting that it takes more consist-ant effort to keep your body in terrific shape, gives me a sense of peace and control. I can't always control how my body will respond, but I can accept that consistent effort on my part can make a difference.
Where in your life might acceptance make a difference?
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