I have been successful at changing many of my dysfunctional behaviors and many aspects of my physical condition, parts of myself that I did not like at all. It is paradoxical that in order to make the changes, I must first accept the reality of the situation as it is. Total acceptance provides a base level I can work from and without that acceptance, I lack a firm starting point. I can have any feeling I wish toward the situation, hate or love, but I must also accept it. My feelings make no difference as far as the changes I wish to make. Right now, I am striving to change my level of physical pain. I begin each day by assessing my pain level and what I can do about it for that day. I need to accept the pain I will have for that day and my method works well — but I do not like the pain at all.
