Pang-la pass, Tibet, 2002: gazing up at Chomolungma (Everest), Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu, I vowed to summit one of those mountains someday…

It will never happen. Chemotherapy, thoracic surgery and sarcoidosis have ravaged my lungs. The Himalayan peaks are now and forever beyond my reach.

But I don’t agonize over the loss. It’s an unchangeable reality. Acceptance is the only option.

Unchangeable is the key word. If something is changeable, you need not accept it.

It’s easy to accept our good qualities and good memories.  The unpleasant realities are the challenge.  For most of us, the two most difficult things to accept are our past, and ourselves.

We all have regrets. But do you really want to carry those burdens forever? Climbing life’s mountains is challenging enough. Why carry stones in your backpack?

… interested in some inspiring tips on choosing action, and some exercises to get you started?