It can be difficult to accept life sometimes. On occasion, the challenges we face can feel insurmountable. I am thankful for Michael J. Fox. He has lived with Parkinson’s disease for over three decades; at this point, he has lived with it longer than his years prior without it. He did not accept the diagnosis immediately; he fought it and hid behind a lot of alcohol. However, since recognizing and accepting his situation, Michael has transformed his outlook and proceeded to make the most of it. Humankind is better off now because of his work with his foundation. Research on Parkinson’s has progressed significantly as a result of his funding. He accepted his lot in life, proceeding to pour all of his heart into it.
Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.
-Marcus Aurelius
Did you know that Michael was not the original Marty McFly? Another actor was initially cast in that role, but the director did not accept those performances as the best fit for the character. We therefore have the dynamic pair, Michael and Christopher Lloyd, that we know and love due to someone recognizing a problem and accepting control within their power to change and improve it for the better. What can you recognize and accept to control within your power? What will you change and improve for the better today?
On a personal level, I have respect for and feel a connection with Michael J. Fox because we both chose to insert a j into the middle of our pseudonyms to make it work best for us. J is a fictional middle name he chose in order to complete a successful SAG application.
Accept your insecurities, live life through them, and be happy with who you are.
-Mikaela Shiffrin
I suppose it also exemplifies that you can choose to change your life whenever you want. Probably not in any and all ways, but you can accept the ability to adjust what is within your control. Maybe there is a better middle name that you have in mind, or maybe you want to sugjest instead of suggest. The choice and the power is yours if you accept it.
The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am,
-Carl Rogers
then I can change.
Accept your present.
Plan future presents.
Avoid attaching to plans.
Accept whatever unfolds.
While others can help, only you can Fix You.
Are you ready to accept that fact and work on it?
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.