Why Acceptance is Good for Difficult Emotions

Acceptance. Wikipedia defines acceptance as the following:

“Acceptance in human psychology is a person’s assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition (often a negative or uncomfortable situation) without attempting to change it or protest it.”

Acceptance does not mean defeat. It does not provide a pass for bad behavior of others. And it absolutely does not mean settling for less than what we deserve. In fact, acceptance is an integral part in empowering us to move forward and be able to be the best version of ourselves, regardless of past experiences. Acceptance is power.

As you’re reading this, some of you may be triggered to think of a certain event that occurred in this lifetime. You might be thinking, “I can’t accept it! Acceptance means they won!” This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, I am glad that you have chosen to open this blog and read the words in front of you.

Things occur throughout the lifetime that are a catalyst to a vessel of painful emotions. The action/event/treatment of others harnesses itself in a vessel of pain that we may play over and over again. This narrative becomes more powerful as we continue to tell it and the vessel fills more and grows. This is the narrative we believe when we think we aren’t smart enough, don’t want to try a new skill/activity/journey because we “will fail.” We may catch ourselves undervaluing our skill sets, capabilities, and our opinions. The painful emotions follow us, often from childhood through adulthood, and we empower the vessel filled with them to dictate reaching full potential and discovering our strength.

But, here’s a secret! There is a battle weapon that will break this vessel carrying painful emotions. It is called ACCEPTANCE. Acceptance smashes through the vessel and while it does not make what happened okay or dismiss it, it is the key to moving forward. Acceptance is the key to taking away the power another has over us and taking it back for ourselves. Acceptance is strength and you are strong. I know you are. You can achieve more than you ever imagined and are capable of greatness. The first step is acceptance and we believe in you.