Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Acceptance is embracing life on its own terms. We are open to what is, rather than wishing for something different. We face the truth in all circumstances with honesty and courage.
Acceptance helps us to bend without breaking in the winds of tests, to gather the lessons and step forward with new wisdom and awareness.
We affirm others and ourselves for the qualities we do have and avoid judgment and criticism for what we don’t have. Accepting myself allows me to give what I have to the world.
Quote: “The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.” Brian Tracey
The Practice of Acceptance
I receive my tests with humor and grace.
I seek the truth in all I experience.
I accept the things I cannot change.
I trust that there is some good in whatever happens.
I accept my intimates as they are.
I trust that I am a person of value.
I am thankful for the gift of Acceptance. It brings me serenity.
Questions for Discussion
– In our community, how do we affirm others and ourselves?
– Where do I seek truth? How do I know when to be accepting and when to stand for change?
– How do people know that they are welcomed in our community?
– When focusing on social justice, what is something that is difficult to accept?
The Virtues Project is provided by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands in partnership with Virtues Matter.
Virtues Matter was started by a wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage, and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtues skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.org.