24 Seven November 2020

FROM THE EDITOR
—
We are experiencing things in life today
that most have never encountered before.
People are navigating a pandemic, financial
uncertainty, employment insecurity, and a
host of family-related issues.
When people do not receive the outcome
they desire, they experience a range of
emotions. Some get angry, protest, and blame
themselves or others. Some get despondent,
feel hopeless, and sink into a depression.
Many get entangled with woulda, coulda,
shoulda type thoughts, that continue to fuel
their emotions. Whatever a person’s modus
operani, learning to accept what is and
surrender the notion of what was wanted, is
vital in order to achieve peace of mind and
heart.
The Serenity prayer offers sage advice that
can guide us through life:
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.
While it is always important to do our
part in enacting change, equally important
is garnering the wisdom to know when
acceptance is the only remaining action.
Acting out, melting down, disparaging
others, doesn’t alter an outcome, it adds
unnecessary pain and suffering.
Things happen throughout the course of
our lives that we simply cannot control, no
matter how hard we try. All of the stress,
pain, and resentment can be a heavy
burden to bear.
Here are a few ways we can mitigate an
unwanted outcome and emerge stronger
and happier:
Untangle from negative thoughts. Ask
how acting on emotion will help us live
life in the long run. Will an angry outburst
solve the problem or will it create a greater
divide? Become aware of thoughts and
strive to change the internal narrative.
Feel emotions. Don’t fight what is felt
because those emotions will linger longer.
Grieve the loss and then find ways to let it
go. Take part in activities that are calming
– practice meditation or yoga, or take a
walk. Breathe into the part of the body
where tension is felt and release it.
Embrace the moment. Be teachable and
ask what can be learned from the situation.
Can the opportunity enhance a personal
trait? Can patience, kindness, empathy or
endurance be strengthened?
As the Rolling Stones said, we can’t
always get what we want. Learning
to accept the unacceptable can be the
pathway to peace.
— Joan Herrmann