Acceptance and Patience= Joy!
Day 7. #pilgrimagetojoy
So much of what causes heartache is our wanting things to be different than they are.”
The Book of Joy
For a myriad of reasons, we often we feel like we have to have everything under control. We think we ought to be “perfect” on day 1. We want immediate success. We want do disruptions, no obstacles, no impediments. Then when it doesn’t quite turn out the way we want, we feel frustrated, anxious, angry, disappointed…and the list goes on. No joy.
What if we were to accept ourselves as we are? Accept our fallible human nature. Accept those things we cannot control. Be patient with ourselves as we grow and learn and mature. Be patient with ourselves as we make inroads to new paths, new aspirations, new goals. After all “overnight success stories take a long time.”-Steve Jobs
Joy comes when we are patient with ourselves, patient with others and are able to accept and embrace where we are, right now in this moment. Is there any surprise that all the 12 step recovery programs including Emotions Anonymous has as an ever-present resource, to encourage those who are struggling and seeking emotional wellness, The Serenity Prayer?
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Reinhold Niebuhr, 1932
