This post is part of the new Sunday Series The ABCs of Getting Well Grounded

A is for Acceptance

Sometime last month, I conceived the idea of a series for the blog.  I thought it would be nice, for me and for you, to begin these regular meditations — something we can both count on.  I decided to work my way through the alphabet, choosing words that represent key components for cultivating a healthy lifestyle.  I got really excited about it, brainstormed a huge list, and planned to begin last Sunday (September 18).  So, what gives, right?  You know the story.  So much going on, too busy, packed days and nights, every minute scheduled, and so on.  And that brings us to yesterday…

Yesterday was a gorgeous day.  70s, sunny, just beautiful.  After work, I went for a walk and, well, I sprained my ankle within the first 1/2 mile.  As I sat there on the side of the road (not able to stand up yet), all I could think was that this was going to put a major kink in my plans!  After a few minutes on my ass (not my favorite method for getting well grounded), I got up and limped home in pain.  My mind was swirling through my schedule, my plans, my week…there were so many things that would have to change now.  And then I cycled through a range of emotions — anger, frustration, sadness, pity, concern, disappointment — before arriving at the only one that’s ever sustainable: acceptance.

Acceptance.

I had to accept that this is what’s happening and there was nothing I could do to change the facts.  All I could do was shift my mindset around what was happening.  That’s all we can ever do, right?  So, I chose to accept this, and to consciously quiet those little internal voices that keep popping up to remind me of the inconveniences of a sprained ankle.  Instead, I’m trying to focus on the 0pportunities.  I now have time to slow way down and stop with the jam-packed itinerary.  And, I am finally here writing the first post in my new blog series, which is an accomplishment and a treat.

I shared this story with you because you can probably relate.  We’ve all been in situations that didn’t go our way; probably every day, in fact.  Maybe you were late for a meeting, only to get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.  Maybe you were looking forward to a night out with your friend all week long, only to have her cancel at the last minute.  Or maybe it’s a million other things that didn’t turn out quite the way you’d wanted.  Regardless, although there is rarely anything we can do to change the circumstances, we CAN change the way we react to them.  We can choose to accept that we’re stuck in traffic, acknowledge that we’re going to be late for the meeting, and alter our perception of the situation.  Instead of being angry that you’re trapped there, attempt to shift your mindset to a state where you appreciate the extra time alone to breathe mindfully and calm down a bit.  Now I’m the first to admit that this sort of mindset shift can be a huge challenge, but it’s a good intention to keep in your back pocket for the next time you find yourself down on the pavement.  Trust me.

eat well.  live well.  be well.  get well grounded.

My intention is to post a new letter in the ABCs of Getting Well Grounded series each Sunday, so check back again soon.