This Before That
Facing Troubling Times with Skill
Acceptance is one of our superpowers. It gives us the energy and stamina to fight for something rather than against something. Once we accept what is broken, we can act with agency and wisdom. Acceptance means being aware and gives us the insight and means to do something that can actually make a difference.
What I’m getting at is that we must tap into this superpower; we must take the time to name the problem, name what is broken, and accept it as it is. It all gets down to what we give our attention and energy to.
When we become entangled in what others think of us or feel stuck in a situation that seems unsolvable, we drain our strength and energy by focusing in the wrong direction. (I’ve found myself doing this more times than I care to admit, yet each time, I discover a sense of relief and a way forward when I first focus on what I need to accept.)
“Wisdom and foolishness are practically the same. Both are indifferent to the opinions of the world.” –Joseph Campbell
Acceptance cannot be passive; it is not about resigning ourselves to the inevitable, as that overlooks the vast potential of what might be possible. Nor is acceptance the same as ignoring a problem through distraction. The words 'ignorance' and 'ignoring' share the same root: ignorance implies a passive lack of awareness, whereas ignoring involves an intentional choice to disregard.
The first step—always—in recovery or meaningful action is profound acceptance. Acceptance sharpens and deepens our awareness of what is broken. By directing our attention to how something is broken, we gain the understanding needed to determine where action is possible. Awareness and acceptance go hand in hand, each strengthening the other.
We must step back and ask, What is the source of the brokenness?
Before we can genuinely repair a broken relationship, heal a divided nation, or mend the struggles within ourselves, we must first cultivate awareness and acceptance. This acceptance is rooted in understanding, fostering compassion that energizes and empowers us rather than depleting us.
What is asking for your attention and acceptance at this time? Contemplate that.
When in the past did acceptance bring a solution? Write about that.