May’s Theme is Acceptance
Our May theme is Acceptance, chosen by our Lexington chapter and illustrated by Robert Beatty.
Acceptance is the act of surrendering to our reality, without judgment or fear. There are many things in our lives that cause us discomfort or pain. We attempt to change or resist them, to no effect. So we wave a big stick, keeping them at bay like a wounded animal.
Acceptance is weaving into your story what once caused you pain — and still might, to this day. You welcome that creature into your home, tend to its wounds, and feed it out of your hand. Acceptance is knowing that this feral animal lives side by side with your tender house cat of a heart, always.
Embracing what cannot change can help you gather the energy to change what must. Accept these truths: you cannot make another person love or see you. You did not finish everything before the sun set on another day — and you didn’t need to. Every moment will pass, the blissful and the excruciating. It’s the hardest lesson, but one we need the most: the grace to let go.
We asked you, what things in your life have you struggled to accept? What forms of grace have you given yourself? What does acceptance feel like to you? You shared moving and emotional reflections that left us full of gratitude for your vulnerability:
☂️ Shades of Acceptance
“Acceptance is not an idea. I have learned that it’s a gift that comes from the heart – which enables us to feel connection to all things. We accept when we see ourselves as part of the great living mosaic that includes all of creation. Then we feel our ‘kinship’ with each other and the world beyond. An organization I am involved with – Sacred Fire – is about fostering this sense of deep connection.” – Lawrence Messerman, Carrollton, Georgia, USA
“This is a poem I wrote about attachment to love existing in a moment of time:
If we never meet at that place again
If we know those streets by a different name
Our minds will remember it was all true
Despite what our eyes can’t see
If our bodies know the touch of home
But it cannot be felt evermore
our hearts laid broken on that corner floor
Rest in peace forevermore.
The moment that we were most alive
We couldn’t stop smiling if we’d tried
You didn’t need to tell me, what would happen next
Because we knew this moment was made richer
By the goodbye that we knew would come.
We laughed a lot that day
our lives would always be intertwined
Even after the veneer has faded
Our moment lives in no space or time
You hugged me at the station
Your eyes told me not to cry
I breathed in deeply to capture the tears
And smiled at you through pursed lips
– Lisa Bentham, Melbourne, Australia
“For me, acceptance has been a game-changer for my healing. It’s helped me so much to accept that my parents did the best they could, and it wasn’t quite right for me. They’re emotionally limited and unable to provide the support I wish I could receive from them. Accepting this has allowed me to meet my needs elsewhere and appreciate the relationship I can have with them and the support they’re able to provide. As a therapist, I love helping others find the pieces of themselves and their past that they need to accept.” – Ellen Line, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
“I’ve struggled to accept that anger, fear, and deep emotions need to be felt in order to move on from them. Learning to feel my feelings has been the strongest personal form of radical acceptance, especially while healing from a life full of traumas.” – Jessica Shaw, California, USA
“I now accept I am getting older, but I am not ready to give in and BE OLD! Though I have been writing for 50+ years, I released my 1st album of original music “renewed” at age 55! Listen to my song “Never Too Late”.” – Paula Chafetz Snyder, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
“This is May’s theme and also my personal goal for my next birthday on the 24th of April. I need acceptance of everything around me. Thank you for your cheerful and inspiring newsletters I enjoy reading!” – Ivkovic Elli, Paris, France
“When I learned how to accept, I learned how to live life on life’s terms. One day at a time.” – Paul Doerfler, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
“I have failed to accept the grief and loneliness that came after the death of my dear parents and elder brother. I seek comfort, giving me hope that I will one day find happiness.” – Mwebaza Cosmas Ssekandi, Kampala, Uganda
“I’m a creative and a mother of two. One of them, my son, has Autism. Acceptance was difficult for me since I didn’t want or know how to believe my child has a disability. The journey to acceptance was long and difficult, but through my art, I found a ray of hope. I recently began designing art that helps my son, and it’s been helping my mental health. The best resources I have found are, talking to other moms like myself and getting feedback and support from them.” – Quileen, Detroit, Michigan, USA