Acceptance is Worth the Effort

Life is so easy when every step we take reaps benefits and rewards. However, life can also be oh so stressful, when the wheels come off our wagon and the wagon is careening down the hill. There certainly will be moments when life happens without our approval or appreciation and then we are destined to feel distressed, stuck, frustrated, worried or angry and when we do, accepting the reality of the moment is essential. 

Many experts encourage us to practice acceptance (“it happened”, “I can’t change or control it”, “it’s over”) as a means of managing those wheels coming off the wagon kind of days. Some folks perceive this concept as giving up or giving in, when actually it provides the momentum towards moving on. Acceptance doesn’t assure we will enjoy, benefit or approve of a particular event or experience in our life. It reduces the possibility of staying stuck in blame, anger, resistance or guilt.

It gives us grace for decisions and choices that have gone awry, freeing up emotional energy to influence consequential areas of our life.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when that ol wagon starts coming apart.

Acknowledge:  Objectively name the thought, emotion, you are experiencing.

            Accept: The experience without judging or trying to block it or push it away.

Appreciate: The value and lesson in the experience, even the uncomfortable or unpleasant ones.

             Action Step: Objectively name the stressor without judging it negatively.

 Remember, acceptance doesn’t compel you to like or approve of a life event; it acknowledges reality so you can move forward effectively.