Acceptance- A powerful skill that should be part of your emotional strategy

Acceptance is the key to freedom. No matter the circumstance, practicing acceptance will help you build resilience and guide you through difficult times.  Learning to let go of what you can’t control and putting that energy into what you can. Remember that nothing happens by mistake. The universe is setting you up right where you need to be, preparing you for what is next. 

I used to resist what I couldn’t control. Fighting against the grain which only made life more difficult. A broken marriage, my little brothers suicide, infidelity, abuse, job loss, others opinion of me, the list goes on big and small. Once I stopped resisting, processing these situations became part of my story and who I am today, rather than a question of why with feelings of resentment.

Practicing acceptance is important because it can help us navigate the ups and downs of life with greater ease and emotional resilience. Here are a few reasons why:

• Reduces stress and anxiety: When we resist or fight against things we cannot change, we create stress and anxiety for ourselves. Accepting the things we cannot change can help us to let go.

• Improves relationships: Accepting others for who they are can improve our relationships with them. When we stop trying to change or control others, we can develop more authentic connections with them.

• Helps us focus on what we can control: Accepting what we cannot change allows us to focus on what we can control. This can help us to be more effective in making positive changes in our lives.

• Enhances self-awareness: Practicing acceptance requires us to be honest with ourselves about our thoughts and feelings. This increased self-awareness can help us to better understand ourselves and our reactions to life's challenges.

Overall, practicing acceptance can help us to cultivate greater peace and well-being in our lives. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

LET GO

It is human nature to want to be in control. We feel fearful when we are not in control. We have to remind ourselves that we are unable to control all aspects of our life. Instead, choose to let it go because everything in life happens for a reason. It is not just about control. It is letting go of past experiences and not allowing them to hold you back any longer. Letting go of limiting beliefs. Let go and create space for a new experience.

MIND POWER

Our mind is the most complex tool we own. It can be our biggest strength or a debilitating weakness. Having the power to let things go starts here. Remember, you are what you think. You can start with mindfulness meditation which is a practice that can help you develop awareness and acceptance of your thoughts and emotions. By regularly practicing mindfulness, you can learn to be present and observe your thoughts and feelings without reacting to them. Reframe negative thoughts: When you notice negative thoughts creeping in, try to reframe them in a more positive light. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, "I'm not good enough," you could reframe that thought to, "I am doing the best I can with the resources I have."

FORGIVE

To let go and move on, sometimes you have to forgive people who may not be sorry. There is nothing worse than holding on to resentment. Sometimes the person you have to forgive the most is yourself. Free yourself from hatred in your life and let go. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would treat a friend. Remember that it is okay to make mistakes and have flaws.

BE PRESENT

The present is all we have. We can’t go back in time and fix the past. We must make an effort everyday to remember that and allow ourselves to open up and enjoy what is right in front of us. This moment will soon be in the past, don’t have regrets because you were too busy living in the thoughts of your past decisions or experiences ultimately all of which you now have no control over. The same holds true for the future. Be present.

Acceptance is not a way of giving up, it is a way forward. It will relieve you of emotional suffering while increasing your problem solving skills. Remember, acceptance is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Be patient with yourself and keep working at it, and you'll begin to see the benefits of a more accepting mindset.