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When Faced with Limitations in Life, Balance is the Key
God give me the serenity to accept things which cannot be change; Give me courage to change the things which must be changed; And the wisdom to distinguish one from the other.
Reinhold Niebuhr
As a population, we are growing older. We cannot do all that we did in our twenties, nor do we look as we did then. We are losing our parents and grandparents, and indeed, are facing our own mortality. This situation might tempt us to grow angry and depressed about the limitations of our lives. How do we find both courage and serenity in change.
We are not in control of all change. Much as we'd like to will things otherwise, some things just are the way they are. When we refuse to accept what we can't control, we can become undone by our very refusal. The acceptance of the way things are moves us to a place where we can begin to find ways to improve the quality of our lives within the limitations. We can explore a new balance which can bring contentment in the face of change.
If one cannot climb trees anymore, must one give up the pleasure of their shade? If one cannot run marathons, must one forgo the joy of moving down the road? If one cannot sit any longer with a departed friend, must one forget the pleasure of company? Of course not. The challenge is in finding new ways to enjoy such things. We must find some level of acceptance of limitations while not denying the essence of who we are.
We do make a difference. Though we may be but a speck in the universe, each of us is still responsible for choosing how we will live, and by what values. With courage, we begin to make a difference in our own lives, in the lives of others, and in our communities. The effects of our choices ripple outward.
But balance is not a static state. We can never really stop and say " Ah, now this is perfect. This is where I will stay." As we change, so the balance shifts, and we must become comfortable with the movement. We must keep adjusting, listening to our needs, seeking harmony while avoiding excess. If we can proceed within a healthy belief system, and have patience with ourselves, we can make decisions and seek overall balance within that system. By clearly asking for and accepting the support of others, we shore up our courage and reaffirm our faith. And by keeping a sense of humor, we can keep our wits about us. Life as we knew it may be changing, but it is ours to shape.
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