Acceptance - "It is what it is"

Not everything that is faced can be changed. 
But nothing can be changed until it is faced.  - James Baldwin

Why is it that people sometimes get frustrated when situations
do not turn out the way they want them to?   Have you ever had an urge
to influence the outcome of a situation?  Past experiences,
knowledge, values and expectations can influence our perception
of how things “should” be.  Acceptance is being at peace with our
circumstances, even when we do not like the outcome.  Responding
with judgment, strong resistance, negativity and hostility can keep
us stuck in an unproductive atmosphere and attitude of hopelessness. 

Do you know someone who has experienced a negative life situation
many years ago and still talks about the situation regularly with negativity
and hostility?  They are "stuck" and can not move forward or see
possibilities for growth or life lessons.  They continue to speak life
into situations that were over with a long time ago. 

A more positive response to tough situations would be to cultivate
an attitude of acceptance and faith. When we respond to challenges
with an attitude of acceptance and faith, we are better able to
look at circumstances from a different point of view, to see possibilities
and to move forward. 

A very close friend often uses the phrase "find the beauty in it".  Even when
negative things happen, consider the possibility of moving forward to
something better.  No one can predict what the future will look like. 
The reality is that negative situations will happen to everyone. 
Do not get "stuck" in unproductive, negative thoughts that keep you bound
to situations long after they have occurred.  Life happens..."It is what it is"

The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right

-- Reinhold Niebuhr