EMBRACING ACCEPTANCE: LESSONS FROM NOVEMBER

Michael J. Fox wisely said,

“Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and there’s got to be a way through it.”

November certainly tested my ability to accept life as it is.  Accepting answers, feedback, or even the twists and turns life throws my way has always been challenging for me.

Interestingly enough I am finishing up a Dialectical Behavior Therapy certification of which radical acceptance is a core component.

Talk about perfect timing!

It feels like the universe is encouraging me to confront and embrace this practice in my life.

How to Practice Acceptance in Daily Life

In my quest to learn how to practice radical acceptance, I stumbled upon some awesome tips from Deepak Chopra that I think are helpful:

Accept Situations Without Labels: Make an effort not to label situations or circumstances as "good or bad".

Use Coping Mantras: When you feel yourself ruminating, break the thought pattern by using a mantra “It is what it is” or “This too shall pass.”

Recognize Limits: Understand that you can’t control how others think or act; focus on your own responses instead.

Take Opposite Action: Picture yourself having accepted the situation and note how acceptance looks and feels.

Let Go of "Should": Stop fixating on how things "should" be and embrace reality for what it is.

Practice Self-Compassion: Remember, nobody’s perfect. Be gentle with yourself!

Use Physical Cues: Simple gestures like a half-smile or open/ willing hands can help create an accepting mindset.

Practicing Acceptance in daily life empowers us to step out of that victim mentality and embrace the idea that life is happening for us, not to us.

So as I welcome in the new month, I will take a deep breath and lean into this journey of acceptance, ready to embrace whatever comes my way.