Acceptance Action

It seems to me the world has it backwards or upside down on what to focus time and energy on. Remembering the Serenity Prayer (Grant me the Serenity to accept the things that can’t be changed, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference) helps me put my energy in fruitful activity. It takes being mindful and present to remember that guideline all the time — life is a work in progress.

You can change social injustice, your attitude, your habits, and your behavior. You can’t change the past, other people, airline schedules, or the weather. Where are you putting your energy? Are you in the group of people ranting, raving, and railing about things you can’t change? If so, you are making yourself and those around you miserable! And if so, you don’t have as much time or energy to change the things you can.

The solution is the Decision Filter. Life events and situations are measured into a filter constructed from the concept behind the Serenity Prayer — like for tea or coffee. What you can’t change flows through the filter and out of your life. What can be changed remains in the filter to be acted on or processed when you want. Dealing with the stuff that flows through the filter isn’t yours so let it go! Holding onto thoughts about situations or events that can’t be change is dancing with ANTs (see Thinking Thoughts That Thump….you in the head).

Fear and apathy are at the rood of non-acceptance. Action helps rid you of both, and gives you more courage and power in the process. That sounds like a high performance life to me!

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