When I think of the spiritual principle of acceptance, I immediately think of the Serenity Prayer. It is a common prayer in the circles of recovery. “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.” This is my boilerplate for acceptance. It applies to all things in life.
Before getting sober, I knew nothing of this principle. My life and choices were driven by knee-jerk reactions to anyone and anything in front of me. If there was a conflict a work, my initial reaction was just that–a reaction. The same was true for personal relationships, romantic relationships, and the “Sunday driver” who was stopping me from getting to where I needed to be on time. I would even get mad at the credit card company that charged me a late fee because I did not pay my bill on time.
Initially, I had to accept the fact that I am an alcoholic. What a freedom that was, to realize that I was not a bad person, that I had a disease. When I realized it was a disease, I had to accept the path to recovery. That meant changing just about everything I had ever known and learning a new way to view life and myself.
This was just the beginning. Through learning more about my behaviors and reactions to life, I realized that I had didn’t have to like something to accept it. I have learned to calm my reactions, knowing that no matter what the circumstance, God is in control and has my best interest at heart.
I recently had the opportunity to go back to school though a Pell grant. It was a 2 ½ month process. I was excited at the prospect of going back to school and what that could mean for my life. I had planned accordingly and adjusted life to meet these plans.
Well, after this process, the funding did not come through as I thought. When I got the news, I accepted it. I knew that if it were truly meant to be, nothing would stand in the way. Was I disappointed? Of course I was. More than two months of planning, and life was taking a different course now. I did not like the results, but I know that if it were meant to be it would have been. That is the spiritual principle of acceptance in life today.
When I trust that God is guiding my life and I desire His will for me, I can be at peace and rest as things come along. Today, I do not need to turn toward harm and destruction. I can trust that God always has my best interest at heart.
To find out more about the spiritual principle of acceptance and services offered by Fair Oaks Recovery Center, please contact us anytime at (888) 576-0222. We’re here to help.
For more information about programs offered at Fair Oaks Recovery Center, including our intensive outpatient program in Sacramento, please call us today at (888) 576-0222.
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