Woo Woo

By Pauline Evanosky

I want to talk about acceptance for this month’s article. I have a document I keep called The Do-Good File. It evolved from the idea that I’d think of something optimistic or motivating the second my feet hit the floor when I got up in the morning. Except for me, it was difficult. I would either forget, this being a new habit for me, or I just couldn’t think of anything that might fill me with joy.

So, the idea evolved into something, as a writer, that I could sink my teeth into. Early on in the morning, I would sit at my computer and open my Do-Good File. It began with the title "Do-Better," but I changed it early on to "Do-Good." The rule I created for the project is that I write something quickly. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it, but the thought is uplifting in some way. The entry is also short. It could be 100 to 300 words, or thereabouts. It’s my file. It’s my rules, and it starts my day off pretty good.

There were times early on when I wouldn’t do it every day. Hey, time gets away from us, right? But lately, I’ve been able to write something every day. Habits take a while to get rolling. I remember somebody saying if you can do something for three weeks, you’ll have started a new habit. It took me longer than that, but I suppose it had to happen in stages.

The entries, rather than having a title, began to have one word. I wrote about hope for over a month and will revisit the idea if I can’t think of something to write that day. Some of the words I’ve played with over time are: Pushing Through, Pretend, Rising, Changes, and Gratitude. The word that occurred to me this morning was Acceptance.

It occurred to me that acceptance is an easier way to live your life than to be in a constant state of non-acceptance. I suppose you might think of it in terms of apples. Sure, you have your favorite apple, but you’ve also learned over the years that you appreciate other sorts of apples. This makes it easier when you go to the store and they are out of your favorite apple, you can choose another type or even a different fruit and be happy about it.

Happiness in little bits.

We are raised by our parents and caregivers to see life through their eyes. If they don’t happen to like yellow or green apples, the likelihood that we might not like them either is pretty good. The idea is that as you grow up, you’re going to be in a position to eventually try out apples that are new to you. You might learn to like them, too.

It’s really important that you learn how to accept yourself. Age is important. As a child, you were full of energy; as a teenager, and as a young adult, your energy levels changed. You developed a focus in your job and in the things that interested you. As an older adult, you marveled at naps and how you were much happier with a little nap in the afternoon. (That’s me.)

Life was so much easier when you began to accept who you are in the moment. Instead of worrying about being adult-like while you were still a kid, you just enjoyed being a child. It’s going to change soon enough anyway. Worrying about getting old takes energy. Enjoy your wrinkles and your skin spots. Don’t wish them away. They are who you are.

I was never so happy as when I learned to be a psychic channel. The confusing moments of my life began to make sense to me. I realized that paradise was right where I was and not something to look forward to. I realized that God listens, and prayer took on a whole new meaning for me. I learned that my Spirit Guide was funny and that many others in Spirit were the same way. That was definitely not what I expected.

One of the things Spirit has taught me is that failure does not exist. The steps toward success are merely that - one step after another. If you don’t make it, you try again. This is acceptance of the process. So, the focus of your energy goes to still working on your project instead of worrying about the failure. It’s just another step.

Also, instead of crying out, “When am I ever going to be able to make a good loaf of bread?” Becomes something along the lines of, “Next time, I’m going to try to use up the old, shredded wheat cereal and see what happens.” I’ve been baking bread since I was a teenager, some 55 years ago, or so. The bread I make is still not absolutely perfect, but those loaves sure get good reviews from my husband. And that is a form of acceptance. I’m not disappointed with them.

It takes time to develop a new habit. Things evolve over time, and anything new you try will likely take some time. Do things in tiny steps. Take the time to review how you are feeling to actually see if there has been any progress.

I always tell people to write things down, the things that are in their hearts. To really effect change, write these things by hand. It’s difficult if your hands cramp easily now, but if you couple a short bit of writing in a special notebook with a pleasant area, the sunshine outside, a cup of tea or coffee, even a bit of music, it might help you to feel better. Acceptance of who you are is the first step to being able to accept other people in your life.

Thanks for reading. See you next time!
Pauline Evanosky

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