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
Accept
"The serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
Think of all the energy you spend worrying, complaining, or fighting against things you have absolutely no power over:
- The traffic on your commute
- What someone else thinks of you
- Past mistakes or regrets
- The global economy or the weather
This is more than just a list; it's an energy drain. Resisting reality is exhausting. Acceptance isn't about giving up. It's a strategic decision to stop wasting your precious energy and focus where it matters.
Conduct a "Control Audit." Grab a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. On the left, list everything that is currently causing you stress. On the right, honestly assess each item: Is this truly within my direct control? If the answer is no, the first step is to consciously practice acceptance. You can even say aloud, "I accept that I cannot control this, and I release the need to struggle against it." This act of release frees up mental and emotional fuel for the next, crucial step.