Wow. Another day. I am glad you came back to visit. You are welcome here anytime. Today I will begin to share with you some of the principles that have enhanced my life. I believe that living life on life’s terms needs to be built upon a foundation of acceptance. The Serenity Prayer sums up acceptance in three phrases. What I can not change (people, places and things), What I can change (my attitude, perspective and perception), and the wisdom to know the difference (To trust the God of my understanding with what I do not understand).
God grant me the serentity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
The principles outlined in this prayer have changed my life. In essence, I began to learn what was my responsibility and what was not my responsibility. When I started my journey, as described in an earlier post, From my Heart, I began to understand that enmeshment was not the standard for a healthy relationship. On the contrary, I learned that healthy relationships were established when I respected where I ended and the other person began. I no longer needed to do the dance that I had learned and practiced for so many years. My freedom bloomed as I started to accept that I was responsible for my own happiness. My relationships with people took on new meaning. I no longer needed to take anyone hostage emotionally. Instead of being dependent upon any relationship, I discovered that I could be empowered.
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Your post The Truth about Acceptance was posted in 2007, two years ago, but I just found it today in 2009.
Age of the post in insignificent, it is the content that makes it timeless. I find the content of your post to be timeless. I regret not finding this site years ago because it would have made a differance in my functioning and insight. However the past is in the past and right now I am living in the presant and moving toward a better future. I have discovered it my choice how I feel and whatI will do about it to help myself move forward. Taking responsability for my emotions, thoughts, decisions, actions and so on has made a significant differance in my day to day living. This has helped me to realize how I really feel and what I really want. I am living less on the emotional rollercoaster, looking to others to make me secure and blaming them for not understanding and treating me badly. Some of this may still happen but I longer react and let it emotionally criple me. Being able to enjoy my friends again is a gift I am giving myself. The serenity prayer is wonderful. My faith has been my savior. God has guided me through many difficult times. Through prayer and meditation he gives me my answers and helps me to realize I will be ok and I will make a positive differance in the world.
We travel an ongoing battle but finding some peace and direction has made a huge differance in my life.
Hi Mary Beth,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and for what you shared with me. In my experience, I have found that I can not know until I am ready to know. My experience has also taught me that the teacher appears when the student is ready. Sometimes I am not ready to hear what I am being taught, until I arrive at a point when I am willing. Bottom line is that I have found that it just takes, what it takes. I have to trust that I am right where I am supposed to be — just for today. Life is a process and God has the BIG picture.
You are doing wonderful work Mary Beth. I am proud of you. I agree whole heartedly. Prayer and meditation and the knowledge of God’s will for me is essential to truly living life. Through my experience I have discovered that I can trust the process, a loving God and myself. More will be revealed in time — one day at a time.
Thank you again for sharing with me what you have in your comment. You are a blessing to me Mary Beth. God bless both you and your family and Merry Christmas to you all Mary Beth.
Craig