I was around 13 when I first realized I couldn’t read the blackboard clearly. That’s when I began wearing glasses. For a teenage girl, you can imagine how uncomfortable that felt—it wasn’t something I wanted, but I had no choice.

Surprisingly, I wore glasses only for a few years. By the time I was 15 or 16, my eyesight improved, and I no longer needed them. But at 35, the blur returned—this time, I couldn’t read textbooks. And I’ve been wearing specs ever since.

What made it harder to accept was watching my 60- and 70-year-old parents read without any help while I struggled with my vision. It didn’t feel fair. But again, I had no choice, I had to accept that my eyes needed help.

As we begin to accept what we cannot change and stop resisting it, something subtle yet powerful happens. One day, we may find ourselves searching every corner of the house for our spectacles, only to realize we’re already wearing them. If you wear glasses or know someone who does, you’ll understand this perfectly. We become so accustomed to having them on that they blend into our lives, almost invisible. They no longer bother us; instead, they become a part of who we are, so much so that we forget we’re even wearing them.

Now think of the burdens we carry in life, whether in relationships, health, career, or something else. These are just like our spectacles. We can either resist them or accept them. And the more we resist, the heavier they seem. The moment we accept what we cannot change, something shifts. The burden feels lighter. In fact, over time, we may even forget we’re carrying it. We adjust. We grow. We get used to it, not with defeat, but with peace.

Some challenges, like my teenage specs, may fade away. Others, like the ones I wear now, may stay with us for life. But in either case, acceptance comes first. Only then can we begin to make peace with it, and maybe, one day, even overcome it.

And perhaps one morning, without even realizing it, you’ll catch yourself searching for a burden you’re already carrying—because it’s no longer a source of pain, just a quiet part of your journey. You’ll find yourself asking, “Where are my spectacles?”

I hope that day comes soon for you.

Can you think of a past challenge that once felt heavy, but no longer bothers you the same way today? What changed?