CJ I have had a life full of lessons of learning to accept things. I will never be able to change. It took me a while to figure that out. I'm pretty stubborn and I have had a hard time learning from my mistakes. But age brings wisdom and acceptance.
I thought the same thing only you got the brains and I got the humor although I think you got both of them. I've had quite a few chuckles reading some of your essays always brightens my day.
Life is a rainbow of good and bad, up and lows. The Yin and Yang that exist everywhere. It’s in working toward acceptance that we find solace. Thank you, C.J. 🙏🏽
I agree, Frederick. I accept that certain events have come to pass and have the possibility of shaping the world in a particular way, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do what I feel is right.
Perhaps you remember this quote during a history or civics class?
“In Germany they came first for the Communists,and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.Then they came for the social democrats and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a social democrat.Then they came for the Jews,and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.Then they came for the trade unionists,and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.Then they came for the Catholics,and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.Then they came for me,and by that time no one was left to speak up for me.”― Martin Niemöller
Great advice, C.J.! The Buddha teaches: “When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control how you respond to what’s happening. That is where your power is.” Also, don’t wait until the world changes, to be happy. I do not like what is happening on the world stage, right now, but I am not going to feed it power to destroy my life.
It’s sad that your second example seems a little easer to do these days where the first is more difficult. It seems changing jobs has become incredibly difficult for so many reasons, so people tend to stick it out longer and deal with things longer than they used to.
The family thing is quite sad too but it can also go for friendships too. Maybe it’s social media, maybe it’s how people are brought up. Whatever, there is no such thing as civil, constructive conversation. Now it’s all hostility. It’s easy to walk away from that.
Accept is a tough word to swallow for me on this. There needs to be a better word…I just can’t think of one right now. Yes, it is about moving on and letting go, but accepting seems to imply being ok with a situation. Looking up the definition of the word is even confusing as meanings seem to vary.
I think this one is going to sit with me for awhile today.
I can understand your confusion, Ken, but only if you’re looking at it out of order. Acceptance doesn’t come before deciding you’ve given something your best shot and realize nothing will change. Acceptance comes after deciding what you’re doing is a lost cause. It’s the “Serenity Prayer” actually.
I get where you’re coming from, but still having trouble with “acceptance”. I think what you’re saying is accept not the issue but accept the fact you can’t control it. I’m not disagreeing with what you are saying, just having troubles getting the accepting of it through my thick skull.
I think Dave Williams may have hit it in saying “it is what it is”. In “it is what it is” it’s more of a concession not necessarily acceptance. Regardless of how it is said, letting go and moving on is the desired outcome. I look at Rod Bluhm’s statement and think, “why accept anything - but learn to get past it anyway”…key word LEARN. Accepting and even concession feels like defeat. Moving on without the acceptance is at least more like a tie. Again, maybe splitting hairs and that’s why this has been on my brain most of the day.
I talked with Robert and here’s what he had to say:
“It might not be the time for you to know. When the time is right, you will get it, you will understand. So much of awareness comes to us when the Universe says we’re ready for it.”
Are you on Robert’s subscriber list? He said if you want to write to him directly and explain more about what you’re having difficulty with, he would be happy to discuss it with you.
Ken, I think a lot of you as a writer and a friend —I want to help.
I feel I should be able to help you more, Ken. So much of awareness seems foggy at times. It becomes clearer when we go within where the answers are. Are you a meditator? I’m going to bring Robert into this discussion. He’s far more aware than I and he helps me understand, or explain Dinahh’s point of view and lessons. Maybe Robert can open that door for you about “accepting”.
CJ I have had a life full of lessons of learning to accept things. I will never be able to change. It took me a while to figure that out. I'm pretty stubborn and I have had a hard time learning from my mistakes. But age brings wisdom and acceptance.
Me, too, Kathleen. We could be soul sistas!
I thought the same thing only you got the brains and I got the humor although I think you got both of them. I've had quite a few chuckles reading some of your essays always brightens my day.
Thank you for your thoughts, Kathleen. I’m still a student of awareness myself Thanks to my guide, Dinahh.
This is why my favorite cliche many people reject as being stupidly obvious: "It is what it is." Says it all. Let it go. Thanks, CJ!
I love that saying, Dave. It does say it all. Thank you!
Life is a rainbow of good and bad, up and lows. The Yin and Yang that exist everywhere. It’s in working toward acceptance that we find solace. Thank you, C.J. 🙏🏽
Thank YOU, Yolanda!
History proves that to accept can be deadly. There are times when resistance is the only alternative.
I agree, Frederick. I accept that certain events have come to pass and have the possibility of shaping the world in a particular way, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do what I feel is right.
You’ve got to follow your heart, but remember … the bad never lasts forever. That includes people …
Geez, only if you have a whole nation behind you. Otherwise, it’s suicide, Frederick.
Good Luck …
Perhaps you remember this quote during a history or civics class?
“In Germany they came first for the Communists,and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.Then they came for the social democrats and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a social democrat.Then they came for the Jews,and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.Then they came for the trade unionists,and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.Then they came for the Catholics,and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.Then they came for me,and by that time no one was left to speak up for me.”― Martin Niemöller
Dude, you’re a genius!! I never thought about that before!!!!
I guess I should thank you, Dawgg. I’m not sure, because I’ve never been called “Dude” before …
Great advice, C.J.! The Buddha teaches: “When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control how you respond to what’s happening. That is where your power is.” Also, don’t wait until the world changes, to be happy. I do not like what is happening on the world stage, right now, but I am not going to feed it power to destroy my life.
Thank you, Sharon. Your views are helpful, too, thank you for sharing those, as well.
Great writing C J . You are right on all ,Except maybe political part .I hope you are but not so sure . Hugs and love to you and family
Thanks, Mitch. Nothing bad lasts forever … hugs and lovd
You’re so right.
It’s sad that your second example seems a little easer to do these days where the first is more difficult. It seems changing jobs has become incredibly difficult for so many reasons, so people tend to stick it out longer and deal with things longer than they used to.
The family thing is quite sad too but it can also go for friendships too. Maybe it’s social media, maybe it’s how people are brought up. Whatever, there is no such thing as civil, constructive conversation. Now it’s all hostility. It’s easy to walk away from that.
Accept is a tough word to swallow for me on this. There needs to be a better word…I just can’t think of one right now. Yes, it is about moving on and letting go, but accepting seems to imply being ok with a situation. Looking up the definition of the word is even confusing as meanings seem to vary.
I think this one is going to sit with me for awhile today.
I can understand your confusion, Ken, but only if you’re looking at it out of order. Acceptance doesn’t come before deciding you’ve given something your best shot and realize nothing will change. Acceptance comes after deciding what you’re doing is a lost cause. It’s the “Serenity Prayer” actually.
I get where you’re coming from, but still having trouble with “acceptance”. I think what you’re saying is accept not the issue but accept the fact you can’t control it. I’m not disagreeing with what you are saying, just having troubles getting the accepting of it through my thick skull.
I think Dave Williams may have hit it in saying “it is what it is”. In “it is what it is” it’s more of a concession not necessarily acceptance. Regardless of how it is said, letting go and moving on is the desired outcome. I look at Rod Bluhm’s statement and think, “why accept anything - but learn to get past it anyway”…key word LEARN. Accepting and even concession feels like defeat. Moving on without the acceptance is at least more like a tie. Again, maybe splitting hairs and that’s why this has been on my brain most of the day.
Maybe the light will go off in a day or two.
I talked with Robert and here’s what he had to say:
“It might not be the time for you to know. When the time is right, you will get it, you will understand. So much of awareness comes to us when the Universe says we’re ready for it.”
Are you on Robert’s subscriber list? He said if you want to write to him directly and explain more about what you’re having difficulty with, he would be happy to discuss it with you.
Ken, I think a lot of you as a writer and a friend —I want to help.
https://robertcosmar.substack.com/
I did link to his page. I think for now, I’m gonna give it a few days and see where I’m at.
No worries…I think I’m hung up on words and not the whole concept.
Okay, Ken. Yeah, give it a few days and see how it goes. Please let me know?
Absolutely ! 🥰
I feel I should be able to help you more, Ken. So much of awareness seems foggy at times. It becomes clearer when we go within where the answers are. Are you a meditator? I’m going to bring Robert into this discussion. He’s far more aware than I and he helps me understand, or explain Dinahh’s point of view and lessons. Maybe Robert can open that door for you about “accepting”.
You make a lot of great points, C.J. We should accept the bad and learn to get past it. We should accept that better things are on the way.
Well said, Rod. Thank you!
'...nothing bad lasts forever …" Even if it seems like it does, some days.
So true! Thank you, David.
Thank you to all who have restacked this post. It means a lot to me. Thank you again!
Thank you for the restack, Rod. Much appreciated.
Thank you for the restack, Connie C.