I Accept the Things I Cannot Change
Monday, June 18, 2012
This past week has seen many highs and lows coupled with the stresses of managing a busy schedule and finalizing report cards. I've laughed with my children, yelled at Cristiano Ronaldo during game one, and cried with my sister as we chatted via Facebook. On Friday, I mowed the lawn, washed my Jeep, and cursed the weeds. Saturday morning, I attended an advance screening by my lonesome since the kids had to have their soccer pictures taken. Afterwards, I watched teenage girls chase Justin Bieber down Richmond Street as his car drove passed following a sound check on the Much Music Video Awards stage. Sunday was spent with my entire family in Hamilton, oohing and ahhing over the thunderous jet fighters, snowbirds and other aircraft as they flew over my parents' backyard during the Hamilton Air Show. And today, I woke up feeling different.
Today, I resigned to the fact that, as much as I would love to hold onto the idealistic view of how my life should be, there are certain things I cannot change. And while it saddens me to think that my life will never be exactly as I had once imagined it would be, there comes a certain sense of peace with the realization that I no longer need to force myself to struggle for the unattainable. Some may regard this as giving up or giving in. But maybe it should be more about forgiving. Forgiving others who may have reacted out of circumstance, forgiving myself for losing sight of what's truly important. I don't know. I will tell you, though, that one of my goals is to incorporate mindfulness into my day-to-day life. To call my attention to the present moment, and as Laurel @Optimom wisely suggested to me when we first met, just let it go. Let go of the past. Let go of negative emotions. Let go of the things I cannot change.
Three small words that could very well be my saving grace.
Let it go.
14 COMMENTS
yes... letting go and living in the moment!
ReplyDeleteAlso, being non-judgemental and being more aware of what's going on in your environment, in your mind and in your body. Easier said than done...
DeleteI love this post. I love that you woke up feeling different. And I love that you're letting it go. Happy to be in your present :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lena. It's an unusually liberating feeling.
DeleteI attended Al-Anon for a few years after my mom passed from alcoholism and this was one of my favourite sayings "God grant me the serenity
ReplyDeleteto accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."
Also, "one day at a time."
Ah, yes. One day at a time. My dear, I hope you have been granted all those things. I cannot begin to imagine the loss you felt.
DeleteWise words my friend, and it's hard to not focus on all the single things in our lives and instead concentrate on the huge and meaningful picture. Look forward with your head up!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tammi. Looking forward to looking forward.
DeleteI need to definitely take your advice on this, Diana! You're such a great inspiration!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, you are so sweet for saying so! That means a lot coming from you.
DeleteBelieve it or not, this is one of my fave posts from you! You wrote with your heart on your sleeve. Only good things from now on!
ReplyDeleteStephanie, thanks a bunch! Here's to focusing on the good.
DeleteHere's a mantra for you: "I agree" It's a powerful message you can give yourself about life and our place in it. Thank you for this post and its honesty.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting mantra, Marianne. I agree. Thanks for taking the time to have a read!
DeleteThanks for taking the time to leave a comment here on Toronto Teacher Mom. Hope you have a great day!