Being at peace with what you can’t change creates contentment because what can you do when something is frustrating, yet you know it can’t be changed? Accepting these things is much easier said than done. However, there are some steps you can take to work toward being at peace with what you can’t change. Once you’re able to reach this state, you’ll be much closer to achieving the contentment you seek.
Be Mindful
Mindfulness is a buzzword you’re probably hearing a lot about lately. You might think it’s hokey or some sort of fad, but all this concept really entails is paying attention to the present moment. With so many things competing for our attention and countless obligations on our plates, it can be hard to appreciate the here and now. Practice mindfulness by focusing on what you’re doing each and every minute of the day. When your mind starts to wander, simply bring it back to the present activity. Enjoying, or at least paying attention to, what’s right in front of you will help you to more readily accept things you can’t change.
Consider the Big Picture
When you find yourself getting frustrated or angry about things you can’t change, it will almost always help to gain perspective if you ask yourself whether this problem will matter in the long run. For instance, things like getting stuck in a slow grocery line or not being able to go swimming due to rain usually won’t affect your future much.
Face Your Demons
Sometimes you’re unhappy and feeling stuck due to things in your past that have caused you pain or regret. You may have dragged this baggage around for a long time, allowing it to accumulate and to control you more and more as each year passes. You can’t change the past, but you can confront it. Take some time to get real and to be brutally honest with yourself. Acknowledge your mistakes and regrets, face your demons head-on, and then let them go. Release them and move forward with a clean slate. This clear conscience will give you the fresh start you need to work toward being content.
Embrace Acceptance
Acceptance is probably the most difficult thing when it comes to moving past a complaint mindset. It’s also the most impactful. As with facing your demons and acknowledging your baggage, learning to accept things involves letting go. Giving up control is scary, but it’s the most necessary part of this whole process. Accepting your faults and the faults of others, factors you can’t change and your current situation will help you cope with your frustrations in order to move past them more effectively.
Many things are simply out of our control and cannot be changed. Finding ways to deal with this fact of life is key to your own contentment. I hope these tips will help you as you work to reach the level of peace for which you strive.
