Acceptance Is The Beginning

“The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up.”

― John C. Maxwell

The most powerful thing we can do for ourselves is simple. The moment we decide to take full responsibility for our thoughts, actions, decisions, and destiny is when we finally begin to take off. Circumstances and situations have a way of taking things away. Life happens. Despite and in-spite it all, one thing will always remain constant. Our perception towards what is going on. Do we decide to have a positive attitude or is everything that happens a set up towards our failure? John Maxwell continues to open my eyes towards personal responsibility and opportunity. It is when we decide to take control of our own existence where things can finally begin to happen. The above quote really resonated with the pure simplicity of where things must begin.  All roads of our journey begin with us. We must accept and frankly earn what happens in our lives.  It all begins not with how we were raised, educated, or the opportunities we may have had. No, it begins with a choice. We can decide to get in there and give a solid effort or simply coast and hope for the best. Either way, it begins with a choice. Will we accept responsibility for our choices or will we find a reason to place blame elsewhere? Looking deeper, the course of our thoughts and actions are based on our attitude. This is the basis for what and more importantly how we handle the challenges in our lives. In my view, the following is important to consider as we look within towards how to proceed in making the choices so critical towards our success and fulfillment.

Is our attitude one of gratitude? Do we experience happiness towards the manner in which we live our lives? Do we recognize the blessing and ray of light even in moments of darkness and despair? Our gratitude is an opportunity to see the positive in all while recognizing the potential to move forward and appreciate the progress of our efforts. Gratitude is a calming effect and allows for a unique sense of clarity to take over which is the basis towards making calm and rationale decisions.

Is our attitude one of growth? Are the circumstances an opportunity to learn, build upon, and grow towards a positive outcome? Do we see the possibilities in all that is around us? Looking at our attitude from this perspective allows us to learn and expand our understanding of how to better handle situations. Growth allows us to move forward and take bigger and more confident steps. The journey will create diversions, delays, and disappointments. It is how and what we learn that will generate and create forward progress.

Is our attitude one of acceptance? This does not mean we have to like what has happened. It merely represents that we are in a particular place for a reason and accept that while finding ways to improve and move forward. Acceptance is the key towards our next steps. Our choices have placed us in our current circumstance. Now, our present choices will influence where we go next. It is wasted effort to complain or condemn where we stand as it takes valuable energy away from making the necessary choices to press forward.

Is our attitude one of maturity? Ouch. No one likes to be seen as being inmature. That is so child like. However, if we are honest, there are times where our attitudes are worse than a child. Certainly, we should know better. However, some don't get their way and they want to throw a tantrum. An attitude of maturity allows us to make better choices towards our next steps and propels the growth that will follow.

All of us have a choice. It comes down to our we decide to proceed based on our attitude. We have the responsibility, choice, and freedom to decide how we carry ourselves. However, there will be consequences based upon these decisions. A positive attitude paves the way towards making a better choice. Once we decide on this approach, doors will open and opportunities will be presented that allow us to take some huge steps towards successful results. The question becomes... 

What's In Your Attitude?