• Why you chose this topic.
• How your stomach, chest, and head feel when thinking about this topic.
• The emotions you associate with these physical sensations.
• The positive or negative impact of any narratives you believe about this topic.
• The reality that many people feel the same way you do about this topic.
• How increasing your awareness of this topic might feel.
• When you can apply more self-awareness to this topic in your daily life.

Regardless of who we are, life presents events that conflict with what we hope, dream, or plan for. As humans, there is no escaping this inevitable aspect of life. Sometimes we don’t get the job we want. Sometimes we lose someone without having time to prepare. Sometimes illness or accidents disrupt our vision of the future.

Learning to accept our circumstances, no matter what they are, does not mean denying our preferences. It also does not mean suppressing our emotions. Much of what arises unexpectedly in life or conflicts with our plans evokes emotions such as sadness, frustration, and anger. It is entirely natural for this to happen, but the question we might ask is:

The following exercises present a series of questions designed to deepen your understanding of where you might reframe your language or perspective to find greater acceptance. Nothing you write here can be right or wrong; simply use what arises as a way to get to know yourself better.

• How can I frame this in a supportive way?
• Where might I lean toward greater acceptance?
• By accepting this reality, where do I go from here?

These exercises aim to help you explore areas where reframing your language or perspective may open you to greater acceptance. There are no right or wrong answers—just use this as a tool for self-discovery.

Exercises:

1. Reflect on a situation or event that happened contrary to your hopes, dreams, or plans.
   What happened? Allow your hand to write freely, capturing whatever comes to mind.
2. Read your description of the situation or event.
   What descriptive words stand out to you? What energy do these words carry, and how do they make you feel?
3. Consider if there is a way to reframe this story to carry a neutral energy.
   What sentences would you change, and how? What words might you add or remove?
4. When recounting a story about a difficult circumstance you faced,
   do you feel heaviness, victimhood, frustration, or despair?
   Or do you shift into a defensive mode, arguing with your experience or feeling prideful?
   Again, the purpose here is not to determine if you’re “right” or “wrong.” It is merely a tool for self-exploration.
5. How would it feel to narrate your circumstances (or life as a whole)
   from a perspective of trust, love, and forgiveness?
   How would it feel to embrace things exactly as they are?
6. Reflect on whether there are any obstacles to the above question or suggestion.
   What might support you in opening up to greater acceptance?