“And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” ⏤Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann, 1952

Spend any significant amount of time with a young person and you will eventually hear all about their favorite video game⏤what weapons, powers, potions, and spells they have accumulated, and under what circumstances they combine these powers to amplify their effect. Little do they know how appropriate the ‘battling wanderer’ metaphor is for life in general and that long after they leave video games behind, they will still be seeking weapons, tools, and armor for the arsenal of the heart.

If you’re like most people, by now, you’ve picked up some tools of your own to help you meet the challenges of life. The ever-helpful Pause button and Reset button come to mind. The hilarious WAIT (Why Am I Talking?) button. The rigorous physical workout. Silent or guided meditation. Getting out of Self by helping others. There are so many good tools to turn to, but rummage even deeper in your spiritual toolkit and you may find two other tools of particular significance and incredible power, especially when they are used in combination: Acceptance (Yes) and Gratitude (Thank You). Life is no video game, but it is certainly meant to be enjoyed, and these tools, more than any others, have radical power to change your life.

Cultivating an attitude of acceptance and gratitude is as simple as saying, “Yes, thank you” to whatever life throws at you. It is as simple as remaining curious about what is happening and what can be learned from it all. It is as simple as not prejudging a situation or assuming you know how it will work out. It is as simple as releasing yourself from the outcome. 

Cultivating an attitude of acceptance and gratitude transforms the Adventure by transforming the Adventurer. The battling wanderer becomes the curious observer. 

Acceptance is trust in the unseen order of things, an undiscourageable faith that everything is exactly as it should be. It’s laying down your sword, ceasing to struggle against the things you cannot control. It is letting go and receiving all things, good and bad, without fear or judgement.

Gratitude is a completely open-hearted orientation of thankfulness, regardless of what is given or taken, provided or withheld, by the Divine. It’s an acknowledgement that what you have is exactly what you need.

Put these two powers together and see what happens in your life. Enjoy.

Copyright 2023 Kesel Wilson (entirely, 100% human-created)

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