Our very first problem is to accept our present circumstances as they are, ourselves as we are, and the people about us as they are. This is to adopt a realistic humility without which no genuine advance can even begin. Again and again, we shall need to return to that unflattering point of departure. This is an exercise in acceptance that we can profitably practice every day of our lives. Provided we strenuously avoid turning these realistic surveys of the facts of life into unrealistic alibis for apathy or defeatism, they can be the sure foundation upon which increased emotional health and therefore spiritual progress can be built. AS BILL SEES IT, p. 44
When I am having a difficult time accepting people, places or events, I turn to this passage and it relieves me of many an underlying fear regarding others, or situations life presents me. The thought allows me to be human and not perfect, and to regain my peace of mind.
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* We eventually realize that just as the pains of alcoholism had to come before sobriety, emotional turmoil comes before serenity. *
"Our very first problem is to accept our present circumstances as they are, ourselves as we are, and the people about us as they are. This is to adopt a realistic humility without which no genuine advance can even begin."
WOW!!! doll , i had SUCH a hard time accepting my present....i was always too busy fighting life/ circumstances, ME...it was awful....not until i was TOTALLY ready to admit my powerlessness over my life, admit defeat could i sit back...breathe...and ACCEPT...."this is where i am at...and i allow it/ and make peace with it"......and accepting ME as i am...that was also hard.....the whole thing, seemed impossible, but the program lovingly is changing me from these things.....my fierce will that kept me alive in the past, had to give in and give over.....there was no other way.....i ask my hp each day to KEEP me humble, so that i may be **reachable and teachable**.......thanks for this share....hugs/ rosie