We accept many things in life, but have we truly accepted ourselves? When we go through periods of dissatisfaction, frustration, anger, and even jealousy, deep down we are fighting to accept the way things are for us. It is not just the struggle of giving ourselves a better life, it is the struggle of being in harmony with ourselves.

When we see others having it relatively easier than us, we find it difficult to accept our own situation. Silently we wonder why the climb for us seems steeper than for many around us. When we start comparing, we lower our ability to accept.

When we are unable to get certain opportunities we really want in life, we find it difficult to appreciate the opportunities that come our way. When we focus on what we didn’t get, we find it difficult to accept the things that we do have.

There are responsibilities we have in life which we have to fulfil and make ourselves available for. When we grudgingly do things, we do them because we have to, not because we want to. It is difficult to accept our responsibilities when we don’t do them willingly.

We have this notion that there is an ideal, picture–perfect life. And when we look at our own life, in terms of relationship, health, money, success, and other filters we use, we find there are things amiss. When we focus on what is not in place, we find it difficult to accept what is very much in place.

Acceptance is not resignation. It is not the weakness of helpless acceptance. It comes from the strength of knowledge, gratitude, and enthusiasm.

When we understand that like a part in a jigsaw, we too have a role to play to complete the jigsaw of life, we move from dissatisfaction to finding purpose. When we recognise the value of being alive and in spite of all our challenges, there is so much in place, we move from anger to gratitude. When we reflect on the hardships millions face, sometime to even get a meal and a warm bed, we move from jealousy to embracing our responsibilities. When we see the seed patiently growing into a mighty oak, and reflect less on what we are but what we can make of our life, we move from frustration to enthusiasm.

Our harmony does not come from aligning things and events to suit us. It comes from aligning and accepting ourselves. We may not realise it, but our biggest challenge is not about gaining acceptance of the world, but finding the quiet confidence of accepting ourselves.

(Picture-East Coast Of Scotland)