From EXCEPT to ACCEPT
🌿This is something I struggle with almost every day. How often do I catch myself wishing I could change the circumstances around me on any given day? Those times often begin with a moment of tension—a plan unraveling, a loved one doing things differently, a day not going as hoped. And in that moment, the instinct is to grip tighter. To fix. To steer. To say, “If only…” You know what I’m talking about.
All those times this mindset has affected me—and my loved ones. Times when I’ve been unable to accept that my way really isn’t the only way. And what happens then? My day is ruined, or a relationship is strained—at the very least. In the moment, it’s hard to see past the idea that everything would’ve been so simple… if only they had done things my way.
What does this mean? Does this make me a control freak? Yikes. I really don’t like those words. I can think of many people who, in my opinion, are control freaks—but me?
This is an area of my life I’ve had to take a good, honest look at recently. I truly felt blinded to the fact that I was doing exactly what I could so clearly see in others. That realization was painful. And making changes? Even harder. They say awareness is the first step. I felt I had mastered that part—so how then could I shift my thoughts and words from EXCEPT to ACCEPT?
I’ve spent hours—many hours—reading, listening to podcasts, and talking with those I trust. And I discovered I wasn’t alone. This is something many people deal with in their daily lives, right alongside me.
It was time to take action. Time to stop making excuses. Time to make the changes that could turn my life around. Changes that were long overdue, yes—but changes that could help me feel proud of myself. Proud for seeing a way to improve my life, my friendships, my relationships—and for being open to other ideas and ways.
I can truly say that while there are many approaches to dealing with this, awareness was the key for me. It wasn’t until I could see a situation for what it really was that I was able to catch myself in the act. And once I could catch it, I could pause, reflect, and choose a better way. That’s when I began to shift—from EXCEPT to ACCEPT.
So today, I choose to soften. I choose to pause before reacting, to listen before insisting, and to trust that there’s beauty in the way others move through the world—even when it’s different from mine. Shifting from EXCEPT to ACCEPT isn’t easy, but it’s a practice that brings peace, connection, and a quiet kind of strength. And with each small step, I feel myself growing—not into someone perfect, but into someone more present, more open, and more free.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Is this something you struggle with as well? Perhaps you have already learned the shift from EXCEPT to ACCEPT and though not perfect at it, you are moving forward in a beautiful way.
Then again, you may have never had to make the shift. Perhaps this has never been a challenge for you.
Whatever your experience, don’t be shy. Feel free to share. We are all in this together and something you have tried may be exactly what someone may need to hear. Me included.
Until next time,
Darlene
