She knew the power of her mind, and so programmed it for success.

Rather, we must notice when we are not accepting reality and make a commitment to turn our minds.

The easiest way to understand this skill is to picture yourself at a fork in the road. To your left, there is the path leading towards continual suffering. To your right, there is a path toward reality acceptance. When presented with this imagined scenario, it is easy to tell yourself that you would take the path on the right in order to avoid suffering. However, when real life emotions are in our way, the decision may not be so easy.

In the present moment, the path to your left may appear to be sunny and welcoming. You may not see that one mile ahead there is danger. On your right, the path may appear dark and brooding. You may not see that one mile ahead there is sunlight and open space. You see, oftentimes, taking the path to acceptance means facing initial discomfort.

In order to turn your mind towards taking the right path when you may be afraid of it, you must first notice your willfulness Some signs that you are being willful and non-accepting are that your emotions are angry and bitter. You may also be having thoughts of, “why me?”

Once you have noticed this willfulness, a commitment must be made to approach it head on and to do so in a skillful way. Then, you must repeat this process again and again. For example, do not enter the darkened path on your right only to turn back around and rush out. Continually turn your mind, putting one foot in front of the other, facing whatever may come in order to reach the bright and sunny path ahead.