Acceptance: How My Life Has Changed

I am grateful that I reached a point whereby I was willing to consider I was an alcoholic. That willingness opened doors of opportunities and insight that eventually lead to accepting that I am an alcoholic. Once I accepted that I was alcoholic my life changed.

I was no longer a mental prisoner to the idea that I could never drink like a normal again. I was no longer an emotional prisoner thinking that I was defective. It just is. I am alcoholic. I accept I have a genetic disease. Now I can live joyous and free from the plague of shame and negative self-value and worth. I am no longer anxious. As my brain healed and my sleep improved, I gradually became more calm and secure with myself and with others.  

In the beginning I didn’t feel comfortable at meetings. I believed I was different and, if I am being honest, there were times I thought I was better than the others attending the meetings. As I attended more meetings, I began to relate and see commonalities. As I came to accept that I belonged, I was gifted with community. Genuine unconditional relationships. I went from an insecure loner to a confident supported individual comfortable in her own skin. Through acceptance I have found humility that allows me to be right-sized and as a result I am far less judgmental.

My life changed dramatically when I relinquished control.  Once I let go and let God, my life as I knew it did a complete 360-degree turn around. To accept that I cannot control others was a profound realization. To live my life on life’s terms without motive, expectation, and self-sabotage was enlightening. I became a better version of myself, more calm and less reactive. By recognizing I cannot control every outcome, the anxiety of micromanaging my life diminished. In essence, my distress stems not from the event itself, but from my judgment of the event.  

When I accepted God is in control, I became better able to negotiate life. As I became better able to negotiate small events, I became better equipped to handle major life events. Today I am equipped to differentiate ordinary annoyances from major disruptions. I am able to view minor setbacks not as failures but as protective or redirecting events. With faith, acceptance and an open mind inconveniences can lead to positive outcomes. I am more resilient today because my mindset has shifted from frustration to curiosity and acceptance.

The setbacks in daily life can be the catalyst for finding inner strength, leading to less focus on external outcomes and more control over our reactions. By turning things over to my Higher Power I am a better version of myself and others respect me. I like myself better. I have a better chance of loving others and being loved.  

None of these changes occurred quickly or suddenly. I put in a lot of work and because of that action a metamorphosis occurred. I have learned the benefit of the power of building good habits through action. After all, we become what we do. These changes and levels of acceptance in my life dovetailed one another. My life changed because I changed and you can too.  Do you think you can accept that?

… Grateful Recovering Happy Dentist …