Accept it and move on

Hello, fellow thinker!

I visited my family in Houston last week and saw my childhood pictures and could not believe how time has passed and all that has changed. Looking back, it’s easy to point out all the errors and all the mistakes, but it is difficult yet rewarding to accept all that is left and plot our way forward from where we are.

In reflecting on the power of acceptance, I've come to understand its profound impact through various life changes that once left me feeling a void or emptiness.

This letter explores three significant shifts—friendships, lifestyle changes, and the inevitable evolution of life itself—and how embracing these changes can lead to a deeper appreciation of life's possibilities.

Firstly, the evolution of friendships has been both poignant and challenging. The laughter and camaraderie once shared during simpler times now exist only as cherished memories with friends with whom I no longer stay in touch. While I do not long for every aspect of the past, specific moments filled with genuine joy linger in my heart. Despite some friendships fading or ending, the warm connections and shared experiences continue to resonate with me, even if those times were also marred by unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking.

Secondly, the decision to quit drinking marked a pivotal change in my lifestyle. Transitioning from a life centered around alcohol to healthier activities was not without its difficulties. It took nearly two years to adjust fully, finding new joys in activities like running, playing handball, and exploring new restaurants with my life partner, Indira. This shift, although rewarding, often reminds me of the void left by my previous indulgences. Yet, each time I choose a non-alcoholic beverage or forgo a cigarette after dinner, I am reminded of my decisions as affirmations of a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

I accept that I may never again experience a cigarette or a drink.

The broader changes life brings as we age are perhaps the most all-encompassing. The world evolves, technology advances, neighborhoods change, and social dynamics shift. These changes, especially during times of global upheaval like the pandemic, have reshaped the fabric of our daily existence. What was once familiar becomes novel or disappears entirely, like my neighborhood's beloved Italian restaurant transforming into a Korean BBQ joint.

Acceptance does not merely alleviate the emotional burden of change; it fosters resilience and opens us to the beauty of the new and unknown. By letting go of the past and embracing the present, we cultivate the courage to explore and appreciate the new things that life offers. It is in this spirit of acceptance that surprising reconnections can occur, as happened recently when Indira and I unexpectedly reunited with a long-lost friend at a café.

I have accepted that I would not be friends with him anymore, yet after doing so, I ran into him and we embraced like we were still good friends.

By accepting the voids and emptiness that change can bring we allow ourselves to move on, and grow. This acceptance is not passive but an active, courageous embrace of life's endless possibilities. As we continue to navigate the shifting landscapes of our lives, let us remain open to the wonders that acceptance can bring, fostering not just peace of mind but a vibrant, engaging existence.

Be well!

Have you been holding on to something that needs to be let go?

Let it go and accept reality.

Keep thinking, my friends!

⚠️ First Time reading? Catch up on all my letters here: https://soberthinker.beehiiv.com/