In life, we find that there are many things we would like to change, things if we could go back in time we would do differently. We spend time that cannot be refunded and go lengths trying to control and change circumstances and people only to find that doing so often does not solve much if anything at all.
I think the tragedy in this is that we as humans have almost become immune to challenging situations that lie outside of our control and our abilities to repair them.
If you are familiar with the Denzel Washington film called: ‘Flight’, you may recall the popular Serenity Prayer that is also common in many other outlets as well. This prayer has touched many souls including mine and has made its way through many homes.
The beginning is as follows:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
The part that empowers me the most is none other than the title of this article. As a college student, I am constantly motivated to do the best I can. However, sometimes certain situations do not reflect my best and their outcomes are unpredictable as I imagine you as a reader might relate.
I’ve a learned a powerful message. In fact, I’ve had to relearn this message many times. You’d think it would stick by now, but it hasn’t. The lesson is simple. Certain situations you and I cannot change, but what we can change is our attitude towards the obstacles we face. It helps to start by changing how you think about your situation, how you react to it. This means embracing the understanding that every person deals with their share of obstacles in the span of his or her life. When we look at these obstacle not just as frustrations and failures, but as opportunities for us to grow and build resistance we can surpass our circumstances and move forward.
But there’s a catch. When we devote excessive concentrations to the things we cannot change, we exhaust energy that can be applied elsewhere. Thus, we sink into the title of being lazy, which is far from the sort. Accepting the things, we cannot change does not mean we are complacent. It says that we are willing to take a leap of faith, making the choice to let go and greet unwelcoming outcomes with acceptance.
It’s difficult sometimes, but it helps to start small. It helps to start with the person you see in the mirror each day.The incredible part about this,is that sometimes the things we cannot undo end up changing us.
