Acceptance can mean many things. It could mean the acceptance of one's self into a community, a group, a pack or a family. It could mean the acceptance of one's self to the university of one's first choice. It could also mean the acceptance of a new concept or idea within a community, and the pledge to understand it without rejecting it for difference.

To me, acceptance is about accepting the changes that occur in our lives. The big changes - such as living by one's self in a whole new environment away from home, leaving behind the life you live to chase your dreams and passions, the inevitable changes in undergoing one's journey to self discovery. The big challenge in my life now is learning to accept people for who they are and their decisions. I am learning to accept the big changes in my life - things that have happened this year within school.

In doing so, I have done things I never would've imagined myself doing (not even in my entire lifetime) and have endured many rough falls where sometimes I found myself never standing up again. I have braved many storms and many rough seas, fought against fierce and powerful demons and here I am - happy, and in a state of ultimate well-being. These storms and demons were all within myself, and in conquering them, I have accepted the many terms that had been placed before me. Acceptance of what one may not neccesarily think of or want to understand. The things that one may not want to even try to take into account.

Acceptance is a good thing. It has put order in my life. It has given me the chance to breathe in freedom. It has given me the opportunity to observe the outer layers of life - the layers that not many can see. Of course, it takes time to fully accept big changes in our lives. It never happens within a night. It takes weeks, even months (possibly even years!) to fully overcome accepting the changes. Here, I'm glad to say that I have jumped many hurdles to seek ultimate freedom from all burdens, and I can proudly say that I have gone the distance. Of course, I'm not there yet. I haven't reached the peak, but I can feel that I am getting closer and closer as each day passes.

I do turn around to look at what I have left behind, often. I do turn back and observe life below me, and wonder what would have happened if I stayed behind. Would I be the person I am today? Sometimes I fall down a few steps, while looking back and it takes me alot more will to get back up onto my feet again. Nevertheless, as Alfred from Batman once said, "We fall so we can get back up again."

I've accepted what has happened to me recently, and when I look back on what has happened, I know I've done the right thing. Life isn't going to stop just because you've fallen down. You call out for life to pause and give you hand. Well, it won't. Life waits for no one because it's too selfish and self-centred. It only believes in itself and doesn't care about anyone else. All you have to do is get back on your feet and run after life twice as fast as it is moving, and overtake it. Then only, will you be able to stand up and smile before your past and the falls that you made over there, there and further up there. Then only, will you be able to fully accept your changes. Then only, will you be able to turn around to stare life in the face, stick your tongue out, sway your head from side to side and chant, "Na-na-naboo-boo!"

I quote Bono's lyrics from U2, a song I love to listen to over and over again: "Walk on." 'Cause that's the only way. I suppose then, acceptance, to me, is overcoming the many changes and challenges that life throws at you, and having the ability to walk on after a gruesome battle against it.

Do listen to that song. It really rox my sox. :)

Labels: musings of life