Finding Thanks Through Acceptance
Big Book Thumping for Laypeople
“And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation-some fact of my life-unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.” –Page 449 (Third Edition: AA Big Book)
This time of year, AA meetings around the globe haul out “Page 449” from the Third Edition and start talking about “Gratitude.”
As the Northern Hemisphere moves into the ‘darkest’ days of the year, the lights come out and we are told to “Count our blessings.”
The gurus and deep thinkers tell us it is affirming life, saying “Yes” to life. Ram Dass, Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer and Byron Katie all tell us to be ‘present’ and to affirm the ‘now.’
Maybe you just stubbed your toe or hit your knee on the edge of the table. What if your mind is scattered and you cannot focus? The squirrels are racing around, and the only interruption is a 10 second commercial you just heard. Do you have defective brain if you just don’t give a shit?
You are not alone. So, dig deep and find something, anything for which to be grateful. Especially when the panic attacks and the depression hits. The Poindexters tell us it helps the brain.
Either that or stuff your face with gross amounts of food and sugar. And call your sponsor. Happy Thanksgiving?
Maybe it was Eckhardt Tolle who said to accept this moment as if you asked for it just as it is, because you did. For me to do this it seems like I have to accept so much more about having created this entire life which seems to involve so much more than just me. I believe it’s true, it’s just very hard to do, at least right now.