Just for Today – December 21 – Acceptance and Change

“Freedom to change seems to come after acceptance of ourselves.”
– Basic Text, page 56

Change is a cornerstone of recovery, but it often feels elusive. Fear of inadequacy or denial of the need to change can trap us in old patterns. The path to transformation begins with self-acceptance—a recognition of who we truly are, both our strengths and shortcomings.

The Obstacles to Acceptance

Fear and denial block us from the freedom to grow.

• Fear: We become overwhelmed by the gap between who we are and who we want to be, believing change is impossible.
• Denial: In response to fear, we may convince ourselves that nothing needs to change, avoiding self-reflection altogether.

Neither extreme allows us the space to change. Fear paralyzes us, and denial blinds us. Both keep us stuck.

Acceptance as a Foundation for Growth

Acceptance is the antidote to fear and denial. It doesn’t mean complacency or settling for less; it means acknowledging the reality of who we are today as a starting point for growth.

Steps Toward Acceptance:

1. Admit Powerlessness: Recognizing the unmanageability of our lives counters the illusion that nothing needs to change.
2. Believe in a Higher Power: Trusting in something greater than ourselves replaces fear with hope and possibility.
3. Self-Examination: A thorough inventory of our character reveals areas for growth and helps us embrace both our assets and defects.
4. Honest Confession: Sharing our inventory with a Higher Power and others allows us to accept ourselves as we are.

With acceptance comes the freedom to begin the work of transformation.

The Role of the Steps in Change

The Twelve Steps guide us from fear and denial toward acceptance and change. They provide tools to confront our fears, let go of denial, and take action.

• Step One breaks through denial by helping us admit our powerlessness.
• Steps Two and Three replace fear with trust in a Higher Power.
• Steps Four through Seven lead us through self-awareness, acceptance, and willingness to change.

By working the steps, we find both the desire and the ability to grow.

The Freedom to Transform

Acceptance is not the end—it’s the beginning of change. When we let go of fear and denial, we unlock the power to transform our lives.

• We grow spiritually, aligning ourselves with the will of a Higher Power.
• We change emotionally, freeing ourselves from old patterns of self-doubt and resentment.
• We act differently, building healthier relationships and creating new possibilities for our lives.

Freedom to change comes when we embrace both who we are and who we can become.