I still find “accepting what is,” or “going with the flow,” to be an enormous challenge at times and yet, so incredibly rewarding. Let me explain. Today, while driving back from Appleton, Wisconsin after visiting our daughter for parent’s weekend, my husband listened to sports radio for the entirety of the drive, which is about three hours. Listening to sports radio is his passion. Me? Not so much. Then, for variety (please insert sarcasm) we stopped at the Brat Stop where hoards of Packer backers were gathered drinking beer and watching two games at once with the volume turned up to “11.” I knew I had choices today in this car ride and elegant meal besides going postal.  In the case of the Brat Stop, I opted to sit in a quieter part of the bar and leave my husband to ogle the games. But, in the car there were fewer choices since I didn’t have any way of avoiding the sound. After weighing a few options in my head, most of which involved something that would no doubt cause an argument, I made a conscious decision to accept the state of affairs. My husband takes such joy in listening to crazy men yell at each other and he always has. Why would this change now? I don’t have to like it, or understand it, but by accepting it and remaining neutral, the ride went very smoothly. I wasn’t angry. I know I’ve done this before when it wasn’t genuine and I ended up feeling resentful. But this time was different. What do you think? Was I rationalizing? Or being a pushover? Or choosing which battle to fight? Or just living in acceptance? I hope it was the latter.