Part of the real beauty of life is that it’s unpredictable. Nothing is permanent, everything changes; and of course, a lot of things can happen that will transform who you are and have an impact on your life. The problem is that you and I need to cultivate the ability to truly accept whatever comes our way and embrace it.We need to develop the habit of looking at whatever happens through a positive mindset instead of a negative, defeatist one. We might want things to be very different in the future, but in the present moment we need to accept things as they are. That’s the way we can make our lives flow smoothly instead of roughly. Today, stop fighting; wondering, worrying and lamenting about people, places and things in your life and accept them instead of constantly fighting to change them. Acceptance is a choice—a hard one most definitely, but a choice nonetheless. Acceptance is the key to convert momentary happiness to enduring happiness. It helps you move from feeling happy to actually being happy. And, practicing acceptance prepares you to live in this changing world, where you never know what’s going to happen next. Acceptance is like protecting yourself with your own shield. To clarify, acceptance is not at all related to weakness, and is definitely not a synonym of conformity or mediocrity. We all need to learn how to identify when it’s time to persist and when it’s time to accept. Today, begin to substitute your suffering with acceptance and with the belief that everything happens for a reason and that better things will always follow. It is hard to practice acceptance when you deeply wish things were different. But the truth is, sometimes you just can’t change our reality, no matter how hard you try. So instead of staring at the closed door in front of you, or getting tired and bruised while you try to break it down, today turn around and see how many other windows and doors you have to open. Today know that serenity that you seek awaits you when you trade expectations with acceptance.

Just for today, I now release all my expectations, knowing that Life will always take care of me. I let go all expectations and flow freely and lovingly with Life. I know that if I focus on what I do not want that is exactly what I will get more of. I focus my attention on loving and accepting myself. I am so much more than I give myself credit for. I accept what is. I let go of what was and I have faith in what will be. Everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.