Tag: acceptance

Letting go of yesterday

Why is letting go of yesterday so hard? Why do we feel pulled into the past as if lingering there mentally will allow us to prolong it? And why would we want to prolong it? The days pass ne’er to return. And depending on how much emotion and energy we experience in them, we may …

Read more

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein

Think Back, Move Forward

We talk a lot about living in the present moment because the past is gone and the future isn’t here yet. Of course, thinking back on past mistakes and successes helps you make better decisions in the present and propel you toward a better future. But how far back should you think? Are memories from …

Read more

"Abstinence is the great strengthener and clearer of reason." - Robert South

The Power of Abstinence

Life is about enjoyment, but it’s good to practice acceptance through abstinence. When we abstain, we make a conscious choice not to have, say, or do something. And we have to work through the consequences of that choice, which is when we truly learn and grow. Abstinence doesn’t have to be dramatic, though. It doesn’t …

Read more

"Existence is no more than the precarious attainment of relevance in an intensely mobile flux of past, present, and future." - Susan Sontag

Embracing the New

To live is to be in an ongoing state of change. Nothing is ever the same. Nothing is static. Everything is moving. Everything is in flux. We can hold on to the familiar for a little while, especially if it aligns with our life path. But at some point, we’ll have to let it go …

Read more

"I'm not in this world to live up to your expectations and you're not in this world to live up to mine." - Bruce Lee

Self-serving Expectations

It’s not good to expect others to fill up your cup or fix all your problems. It’s not good to blame others for not doing what you wish they’d do. Especially if you’re expecting them to read your mind or pick up on subtle hints. Now, it’s okay to expect respect from others. And if …

Read more

"I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive." - Joseph Campbell

Life Is More Than Survival

Life isn’t about surviving or extending the number of years we can live. No matter how long our lives or how resilient we are, death is still our fate. But it doesn’t make sense for life to be about suffering either. Experiencing and working through suffering, sure, but not merely for suffering’s sake. There’s gotta …

Read more

"You aren't your work, your accomplishments, your possessions, your home, your family... your anything. You're a creation of your Source, dressed in a physical human body intended to experience and enjoy life on Earth." - Wayne Dyer

Might as Well Enjoy

We’re going to get to the end no matter what thoughts we think, words we say, or decisions we make. We’re going to face the end of the chores, the projects, the tough times, the good times. We’re going to face the end of our lives. So, why go through it all frazzled and stressed? …

Read more

"I'm not perfect. And who knows how many times I've fallen short. We all fall short. That's the amazing thing about the grace of God." - Tim Tebow

Most of the Time

The purpose of our lives is not to achieve perfection. And it’s arguable that life is inherently perfect or that everything about our lives is already part of a perfect whole. Regardless, it’s just not necessary to strive for perfection all of the time. Maybe some pivotal moments require a flawless performance. Maybe some critical opportunities …

Read more

“Be curious, not judgemental.” - Walt Whitman

You Are What You Judge

Do you know that your judgment of others is a reflection of you? And how you feel about yourself? It rarely has anything to do with the people you’re judging. See, judgment is a defense mechanism that helps us justify our lives and maintain a sense of control. But control is something we seek when …

Read more