Acceptance

ACCEPTANCE (noun)

the act of taking or receiving something offered.favorable reception; approval; favor.the act of assenting or believing:acceptance of a theory.the fact or state of being accepted or acceptable.

[ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE & COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN]

Many of us get blocked by “self-imposed timelines”. While goals are great and motivating, allowing it to dictate your life can result in anxiety, depression, and resentment.

Let me explain… We tell ourselves, “By 25, I want to be a college graduate, be financially stable, have a successful career, be married or in a relationship…….it’s where I should be.” We have a mental image of what we expect of ourselves as well as what family, friends, and society expect. Fast forward to present day and you’ve accomplished some things, but not all.

There’s some deep sense of disappointment you feel in yourself and you feel like you should be so much farther than you are. You might feel a variety of emotions from anxiety, anger, and depression to resentment, disappointment, and regret.

THIS is where self-imposed timelines take a turn for the worst.

• Goals are amazing and motivating! Please do not misunderstand.
  • However, having inflexible, concrete goals and expectations of ourselves is unhealthy.

Accept where you are. Sometimes we compare ourselves to the people around us. It can be frustrating and maybe discouraging. In those times, remind yourself that life is like a highway. Yes, we are going to explore a corny metaphor. We are all in our own lanes. You don’t know another person’s history, experiences, traumas, and struggles. You don’t fully know how they got where they are. All you see is what they show you. Each of us are on an individual journey. Your life will not look like any other. You are wherever you are in your journey for a reason. That is okay! If no one else tells you, I will. It is what it is. This is where you are. Accept it and move forward or stay stuck. Don’t give up on your goals, re-calibrate. You didn’t meet your goals in the time you expected. If you still have the passion and drive to do it (pursue a career, go to college, lose weight, stop an unhealthy habit, ect….) then make plans. Plan realistically and take steps to make it happen. TOO LATE IS IN THE GRAVE. Don’t allow any person or society to tell you who you are and where you should be. Every season in your life happens for a reason.  

• We are shaped by our environment and experiences.
  • What are you being molded into?
  • Do you expect greatness and growth?
  • Are you surrounded by people who encourage you to pursue your goals?

Whether it was in of our own accord in God’s plan, it works for the good of those who love him! If you find yourself trapped in a FIXED mindset, decide right now if you’re ready to develop a GROWTH mindset.

• 

“…be transformed by the renewing of your mind…..”

Romans 12:2

It begins with how we think. We are guided by our thoughts and self-talk. What’s going on in your head? What are you thinking about? META THINKING — think about what you are thinking about.

• 

Identify your thoughts. Think about what you’re thinking about!

If you are trying to reach a goal, break a habit, get motivated, be more social….whatever it is, it will start with your thoughts. Positive thinking is powerful. Thinking positive isn’t about saying to yourself, “I’m happy and nothing bothers me.” Thinking positive is about looking at your situations, family/friends, and life in a REALISTIC & HOPEFUL way. Changing your fixed mindset and negative thoughts begin with acceptance. Self-reflect in quiet time, meditation, prayer, or while journaling. Begin with acknowledging where you are and begin the process of acceptance.

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.

Carl Rogers

Start with ACCEPTANCE.

1. Accept who you are: flaws, habits, history, and personality.
2. Accept where you are: financially, socially, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

ACCEPT.