Acceptance.

There’s been a growing trend of ditching New Year’s resolutions in favor of focusing on one word for the year. Like the year of change. Love. Risk.

While I still set goals for myself, I’ve thought a bit about this one word business. initially Serentity seemed appropriate, but I think Acceptance is a better fit.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

Acceptance is part of the Serenity Prayer, which I find applies to my life right now. I’ve spent too much energy trying to change things I cannot and not enough energy on the things I can.

I accept:

I am getting older.
My hair is going gray.
Weight loss is not easy for me.
I am a mother.
Motherhood will have ups and downs (even in the matter of 5 minutes).
Myself.

I will no longer accept that I’m overweight. This is something I can change – will change. I used to think it was about not loving myself. I do love myself which is why I can’t be content with putting my health at risk any longer. I’m not doing it because society says I need to be thin. I’m doing it to be healthy.

I also accept that my success can not be measured by someone else’s. Last year I dwelled too much on the opportunities and successes of others, wondering what I was doing wrong. Why not me? It’s silly to get caught up in that thinking because it’s too easy to make it feel personal.

“The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.”
― Stephanie Perkins, Anna and the French Kiss

I need to accept that I’ve received wonderful opportunities and the right ones will come my way when it is time. I have to keep reminding myself of this…and just keep working at it.

Acceptance.

Who knew one word could elicit so many thoughts and feelings from me?

What does acceptance mean for you this year?

Darcy Zalewski

Darcy is the founder of “Life With Darcy and Brian,” where she combines her love for education, board games, and crafting to create engaging learning experiences for kids. Her creative projects and writing have been featured in outlets like The Toy Insider, CafeMom, Mom.com, Parents.com, Country Living, and The Pioneer Woman.