To me, acceptance is looking squarely at reality, and saying "Yep, that's reality all right".  It does not necessarily mean liking it, or agreeing to it, just acknowledging that what is, is.

I don't know what submission means, in this context. If you want to use it as a contrast to acceptence, then it may mean assuming that we have no choices.

It is acceptance to know that an active alcoholic will drink, given the chance.  Therefore, you are not surprised or disappointed by the drinking.  Submission may mean that, since he's gonna drink anyway, you may as well go get the bottle for him.

Hi Bobbie,

My understanding of these two things(thanks to Al-Anon) have totally different meanings. I'll try to explain.

If I'm sitting outside and it starts to rain. I have no control over the rain. I have to accept the weather - It's not that I wanted it to rain, or that I really agree with my HP's choice that it rained today, I just accept that it is raining at the moment.
Now, comes my part - I can submit myself to sitting in the rain or I have the choice to go inside. Now sometimes the rain may feel comfortable because maybe that's all I know, but once I go inside I'll be wet, cold and feel very uncomfortable. Put as I peel off those layers of wet clothing, put on new, warm clothes - then I see that it is better on the inside.

I can accept that it is raining, but I don't have to submit myself to being wet and miserable - I have options and choices to get out of the rain.

That is how I look at the difference.

Just my e,s, & h,
Welcome to MIP - glad you are here with us,
Peace,
Rita