What is it, a word, concept, or state of mind?

Recently, I celebrated another noteworthy anniversary, twenty six years since my last drink. Anybody who has ever attempted sobriety has been told, probably more times than they would like, that acceptance is the answer to all of life's problems.

I have accepted many things, and often stood by watching things around me crumbling and accepted them. While staying sober, I often heard that one should wear the world like a loose coat. One thing that I forgot about coats, is that they come with buttons. While the wind was blowing full force, I accepted the chill wind, never dreaming that I could button up the coat. I accepted that things were not quite what I hoped they would be.

Now, I see that acceptance is the ultimate tool, it is the key to the city, it is the high point from which you can stand and see everything clearly. When you reach acceptance, you reach the vantage point from which you can make the next right move in the game of life.