Life didn’t throw me a lemon. I grew it! But the adage can still hold true! What am I going to do about it? See it as a problem, or seize it as an opportunity?
I went to my settlement hearing today. The lemon I grew – I was given six month’s home detention for my probation violation in November. (See earlier posts). Nobody to blame but myself. I accept the consequences of my actions. But what does that really mean?
At tonight’s meeting, we talked about self-acceptance and acceptance of others. Someone shared their insight and learning that acceptance isn’t tolerance. I’ve also heard before that love isn’t tolerance. Which means…do I really want to hear, “I tolerate you” ? No, I want to know I’m accepted for who I am – just as I am. I want to hear that I’m loved just as I am – unconditionally.
Likewise, I don’t want to just tolerate my consequences. I want to lean into them. I want to accept them. I want to embrace them unconditionally, choosing to see this as an opportunity – not a setback.
That’s making lemonade out of the lemons. That I grew.
So, during my home detention, I can use the time to deepen my spirituality. I can spend more time meditating – listening. I can grow in my understanding of solitude.
As I prepare to launch my new business, instead of seeing home detention as a barrier to success, I can use the time to learn new skills — study and teach myself Adobe CS5, which will serve me well.
I’ve wanted to deepen my grasp of Non-Violent Communication (NVC) — of living from a place of compassion, of connection, of authenticity. There are weekly teleconferences I’ve avoided because I’ve been too busy. I can use my alone time to pursue this goal.
Or, I can feel sorry for myself. Nap the time away. Grow a resentment against someone. Beat myself up for not being perfect and making a mistake. Allow this to be a setback.
But, just for today, with grace and humility, I choose a difference path. I choose life.
The Magical Storybook of Professor Peacock 