On Acceptance

I like to say that acceptance is not compliance. Compliance would be saying that I am okay with everything that is going on. Acceptance is simply recognizing what is going on. Compliance would be saying that I am okay with everything that has happened. Acceptance is realizing that what has happened has already happened, and that I can not change the past. Compliance would position me to be okay with whatever will happen. Acceptance keeps me from wasting energy on what I can't do, so I can use my energy to change what I can. Compliance is a passive position. Acceptance prepares me for action.

I like to use the image of crossing the river on a set of stepping stones. Without acceptance, I travel along, distracted by things I can't control, teetering on unsteady stones. Acceptance balances me firmly on the stone I am on, so I can prepare to take the next step. Acceptance is about being here, now. Use acceptance to bring you back to the moment.