“Acceptance Doesn’t Mean Resignation; It Means Understanding That Something Is What It Is And That There’s Going To Be A Way Through It.” – Michael J. Fox
Who doesn’t love Michael J. Fox? A talented actor and courageous, inspirational man, he definitely knows what it’s like to have to face life’s challenges. Acceptance is one of the hardest but most important steps to take when life hands you a challenge. Although our first reaction may be resistance, accepting a challenge and reassuring yourself there’s a way through it, keeps you motivated and strong enough to turn it into something positive. Whether big or small, every challenge comes with an opportunity to learn something you may have never learned and it allows you to reinforce your abilities.
When Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he could have surrendered to being forever “disadvantaged” or “disabled.” Instead, he turned his challenge into an opportunity when he became a spokesperson for the disease and started his own foundation for awareness and funds. This wouldn’t have been possible if he didn’t accept the challenge and in this situation, it’s clear to see that acceptance is in no way quitting. Life is all about challenges and it’s a beautiful thing when you can turn something others see as unfortunate into something fortunate and make a difference.
It’s true that we can’t truly appreciate fortune if we’re always fortunate, but who’s to say what’s fortune and what’s not? What weighs down one person could inspire and motivate another. It all goes back to perspective and choosing to understand that we only have so much control over what happens to us, but we have full control in how we choose to handle it. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that it’s easy and all you have to do is close your eyes and imagine a better day. I know it’s not easy. In fact, if it’s a challenge like Michael’s, it will probably be one of the hardest things you ever have to go through, but just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
A difficult challenge doesn’t mean that your life is over or that every dream you ever wanted is turned to dust. There are always ways to come up with new ideas and mold our plans to fit our situations. Humans have resilience unlike any other living being and I believe that resilience exists to help us make a mark on the world and change it for the better. Whether you choose to believe that too and take action is up to you. However, I really encourage you to think about the alternative. We didn’t choose to be born, but we can choose how we embrace life. Emotions can run deep and body parts can ache but at the end of it all, you are who you portray yourself to be and there’s no disease, heartbreak, or disappointment more important than that. Glow & shine bright! xo