How is acceptance a gift of recovery for me? In March, 2021, I gave a talk at an online conference. I tried to follow this outline. What is acceptance?  What is it not?  * Not “giving up”* Not saying “this is ok”* Recognizing reality How do I use acceptance? * Not “crying against the night”* Opening possibilities for change.* Doing the “next right thing”* Reduce expectations & resentments Early acceptance: Step 1: Powerless over my loved one’s alcoholism.          Recently: accepting my parents’ aging and illness. Dementia: triggering because memory problems reminded me of the active drinking days. Grief: losing the parents I had known for decades (all my life!) Denial: it’s not that bad. Actions: * Wanting them to move into assisted living.* OK, now what?* Learning to enjoy the time I had with the people they were becoming.* Photo albums & videos* Caring for them physically Feedback How have you experienced the gift of acceptance? Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email [email protected] with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.