Acceptance

I have spent a lot of my life trying to change people. Trying to encourage my friends and family to make better choices, to live a healthier life, or maybe to just be kinder. Again and again, this has proved to be ineffective, only draining my own energy and happiness. I tell myself that I act this way because I care for others, but real care for others comes unconditionally. It comes from accepting humans as they are.

The truth is, I cannot change anyone. No matter how hard I try or want them to, humans do not change on the account of others. They change because they want to. I can’t think of a single time in my life where I transformed into a better version of myself because someone else told me to. It’s always been my own choice from my own mistakes and my own lessons learned.

If I took the opportunity of frustrations with others to grow and look inward, I will be the one to benefit. Everyone else will learn their own lessons at their own time. I will accept people as they are, not expecting them to change. Only then can I maintain my peace of mind and continue working on myself. If I can remain calm and collected at all times, this is a natural way to motivate others. A balanced healthy energy is more encouraging than a forceful push for change.

By unconditionally accepting others and keeping the subject of improvement on me only, all of my relationships can grow in a beautiful way.