Wow. This one keeps coming up again and again. And no matter how good we think we've got it down, another situation crops up to challenge us from another angle.
In the end, we have to realize that there is nothing we can control completely. Not our lives, our health, or even our thoughts. With practice we can achieve some measures of control for some small amount of time, but that is all.
But the gem of what we must accept is also this - the perfection in our imperfection. No matter how imperfect we are with respect to our ideals, our plans, our intentions - we are always as we should be already. Truly. The hard part in this life is not getting to where we want to be - but accepting where we are already.
That doesn't imply that we shouldn't have plans or goals, that we shouldn't reach high. Accepting that there's no reason we should aim high inherently implies that there's also no reason we shouldn't aim high.
That's the beauty of it. And the simplicity. We can be, change, or do as we want, not because we should but because it makes us happy (not happier), and satisfied (not more satisfied). And if it doesn't do those things, then we don't need to be, change or do them. Because where you are right now is where you should be.
Angry, sad , frustrated, lovesick, deflated, guilty, fed-up, scared - even those, when you are in them, offer some insight, some benefit. With an open heart, with acceptance of them, you can move through them more quickly, from the pain to the insight.
The good feelings too (too many to list) - ephemeral. But useful, and beautiful and fulfilling. Soak them up only - don't cling to them or doubtthem or feel guilty about having them - just soak them up for as long as they last.
Bruised and weary, but finally 'round the bend of tears today - that's where my head is. Acceptance... we meet again.
(Why the goats? That's another story entirely.)
