Skip to Content

Acceptance.

There’s been a growing trend of ditching New Year’s resolutions in favor of focusing on one word for the year. Like the year of change. Love. Risk.

While I still set goals for myself, I’ve thought a bit about this one word business. initially Serentity seemed appropriate, but I think Acceptance is a better fit.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

Acceptance is part of the Serenity Prayer, which I find applies to my life right now. I’ve spent too much energy trying to change things I cannot and not enough energy on the things I can.

I accept:

I am getting older.
My hair is going gray.
Weight loss is not easy for me.
I am a mother.
Motherhood will have ups and downs (even in the matter of 5 minutes).
Myself.

I will no longer accept that I’m overweight. This is something I can change – will change. I used to think it was about not loving myself. I do love myself which is why I can’t be content with putting my health at risk any longer. I’m not doing it because society says I need to be thin. I’m doing it to be healthy.

I also accept that my success can not be measured by someone else’s. Last year I dwelled too much on the opportunities and successes of others, wondering what I was doing wrong. Why not me? It’s silly to get caught up in that thinking because it’s too easy to make it feel personal.

“The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.”
― Stephanie Perkins, Anna and the French Kiss

I need to accept that I’ve received wonderful opportunities and the right ones will come my way when it is time. I have to keep reminding myself of this…and just keep working at it.

Acceptance.

Who knew one word could elicit so many thoughts and feelings from me?

What does acceptance mean for you this year?

Tazim

Monday 21st of January 2013

It's interesting that you use the word acceptance for your word this year. I accept that things change, and I guess change is my word for this year. I do accept that my life is entirely mine now, and I have to choose what I want, decide what changes I want to make.

Kecia

Friday 18th of January 2013

A lot of this post applies to me! I do accept myself, but not my health. I am working on losing weight this year as well. Good luck!!

Mamarific

Thursday 17th of January 2013

So true, when we stop comparing ourselves to others, and purely focus on ourselves, great things happen!! Good luck in your endeavor to get healthy. I am right there with you.

@MryJhnsn from iNeedaPlaydate

Thursday 17th of January 2013

I want acceptance to be what you defined. For me, it is defeat. Maybe I should focus on this more so I can embrace the true meaning.

Bridget

Thursday 17th of January 2013

Love how you put that. It is exactly because you love yourself (and I love myself) that things need to change. Great post!