The world is full of conflicting messages: In order to be happy we need to learn to accept where we are. But in order to be successful we need to focus on where we want to go.
It’s important to strive for the life we want. But we’d all be a lot happier if we would learn how to better embrace the life we have.
That doesn't mean we should settle. But also, we shouldn’t have to hustle.
So what should we strive for? Changing our circumstances or learning to accept them? Taking life by the reins, or welcoming it however it unfolds? Should we be pushing back against our suffering or should we allow our pain to transform us?
The answer, I believe, is both.
[clickToTweet tweet="“Face the facts of being what you are, for that is what changes what you are.” " quote="“Face the facts of being what you are, for that is what changes what you are.” - Søren Kierkegaard" theme="style3"]
Because the truth is, we can’t change our circumstances without first mastering them. We’ll never get there if we refuse to learn what being here has to teach us. And we certainly won’t be able see tomorrow’s opportunity if we continue to treat today as nothing more than a means to an end.
So then, of course, comes the real question: How in the world do we accept our circumstances when our circumstances feel utterly unacceptable? I think we start by acknowledging, first, what acceptance is not:
Acceptance is not an endorsement of our pain.
It is not an exoneration of our perpetrators.
It is not a sanction, a statement of consent, or a stamp of approval upon the long list of challenges we’re struggling to overcome.
Acceptance is our willingness to be attentive and fully present in our lives right where we are, so that we don’t miss the lessons, the connections, and the opportunities that will one day help us move beyond where we are.
[clickToTweet tweet="'We won’t see tomorrow’s opportunity if we treat today as nothing more than a means to an end'" quote="'We won’t be able see tomorrow’s opportunity if we continue to treat today as nothing more than a means to an end'" theme="style3"]
Acceptance is a conscious choice, deeply rooted in our acknowledgement that to every thing, there is a reason. It is the faith we muster to believe that even the things that cause us great pain are not without purpose. It is our willingness to shed the relationships, the titles, the ideas and the opportunities we’ve allowed to define us, in favor of whatever growth awaits us on the other side.
This, friends, we can do. And the truth is, we must. Because our circumstances were never meant to contain us forever. Like cocoons that at one time served a vital purpose for our growth, they must eventually fall away in order for us to emerge transformed.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.