Twenty seven words that hold a key to understanding the difference between acceptance and apathy, between a trusting surrender and I quit, between power and empowerment, between faith and fear.
“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
One of the secrets of love and acceptance is to relax, knowing the difference between external circumstances that are not going to change and the deeper understanding of the truth of our inner world of thought and mind action. We have been told we cannot control our feelings; however our thoughts create our feelings so our thoughts and actions influence greatly our emotions. This is where courage come in (read more in A Voice Of Reason book page 68).
Acceptance is having the willingness to embrace the fullness of a situation or experience. It is an inner realization that all is well, regardless of the outward impression. If we do not practice acceptance we will never know Peace and Serenity. When I come to acceptance of a situation then I am empowered to make a conscious choices. Acceptance requires that I trust myself and God. Acceptance of the situation allows me to access the situation without resistance. Then I can use my wisdom to know what I can and cannot do.
This is where observation and discernment can help us separate the two. What is mine to do and what is not? Byron Katie, author of Loving What Is! poses four questions to help us with the discernment process.
- Is it truth? Facts
- Can you absolutely know that it is true?
- How do you react? What happens within you when you believe that story?
- Where would you be without that thought?
These are good questions to help in the discernment process. The answers provide the wisdom to know the difference. To further your reading in this chapter go to page 70 of my book A Voice Of Reason. If you do not own a copy here is the direct link to grab your copy. http://avoiceofreasonbook.com/book/
To coach with Sherry email her or give her a call at 269-281-4944
