Acceptance is extremely important … in fact, it’s the foundation for personal growth
So, what exactly does it mean to practice acceptance?
It’s simply seeing something for what it is … no more, no less. Sounds simple, but it can be quite challenging actually. However, learning the art of acceptance, is an important skill to develop. Why? Because when you’re unable to accept things for what they are, you’ll be coming at life with a distorted sense of reality. You’ll try to bend, shape, and mold things to be something different so that it makes sense to you based on your personal filters.
You see, you have a sense of what reality should be and it’s based on all of the life experiences you’ve had up to this point. When your sense of reality is threatened, you’ll get upset, reject it, shove it aside, or become oblivious to it. You’ll be approaching life passively rather than actively.
Acceptance isn’t passive. In fact, it’s active because it takes awareness and intent to consciously accept something for what it is. Think about it … if you can’t fully accept something for what it is, you’ll never be clear as to whether it could, or should, be changed.
By practicing the art of acceptance, you can relax and let it go. You won’t have to fight against it anymore. To clarify this point, think about a situation that you’re not happy with – something simple that, for whatever reason, pisses you off! Now breathe deep and take a moment to accept everything about it then let it be the way it is. After all, isn’t this the truth?! It is exactly as it is, correct?!
Now don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean you have to like it! But, at least by accepting it, it’ll piss you off a little less than before!
If you can simply accept things as they are, you’re no longer focused on how things should change. You won’t be looking through your jaded filters of “musts”, “have to”, “would-a, could-a, should-a’s”. Accept all of the things you wish you did – but didn’t and all of the things that you did – but shouldn’t have. Accept them as they are so you can free yourself of all the guilt, resentment, fear, and shame that has you trapped.
If you’re wanting to transform your life and experience more fulfillment, joy and happiness, you need to accept what’s already taken place. You can’t change them anyway. If you’re in a state of disarray, wanting to change the past, you’ll prevent yourself from being able to receive the lessons in life that allow you to grow.
Chill out and accept it. As the saying goes, “it is what it is”. Let life unfold so you can glean the lessons and find peace in your life.
Remember … life is a journey, not a destination!
Hugs,
