Why Acceptance is Empowering

A major gift of acceptance is that it empowers us by giving us choices—if we let it!

When we are in denial or obsessed with trying to change or control circumstances–and people—over which we are powerless, we are unable to see the choices and opportunities available to us that can lessen the difficulties and even bring unexpected joy.

For many of us, it’s too painful or discomfiting to accept the underlying reality of upsetting situations.  Instead, we focus on trying to find solutions and resolutions to things that aren’t solvable or resolvable, only to become mired further in our discord.

But practicing acceptance is not easy.   It is developed over time with awareness, trust, willingness—and practice. As we begin to experience the many gifts that acceptance brings, it becomes easier and more instinctual. (See my post, “Five Benefits of Practicing Acceptance”).

When we are able to accept the underlying reality of a situation or circumstance, there is a critical shift in our focus from what we can’t control or change to what we can.  Our blinders come off and we are able to make wiser, reality-based choices; ones that are better aligned with our diverse life currents, bringing us greater peace and serenity.

This is a powerful “gift” of acceptance. That’s why I like to say, “when we accept what is, we can discover what might be.”

 Karl’s story shared in The Gifts of Acceptance is a good example.  Karl got very frustrated when he couldn’t physically do what he wanted because of a worsening glaucoma condition.  Photography had always been his first love but at seventy-nine and worsening vision, he could no longer pursue his passion. “My limitations were very, very severe, and it took a while before I realize I could no longer due what was in my mind,” Karl confessed.

Yet, when he finally accepted he could no longer be an active photographer, an unexpected new path revealed itself—one that he admits would not otherwise have arisen.  He became a photography teacher.   Even though Karl could no longer perform the skills he had before his glaucoma, he retained the knowledge to teach others to become good photographers, and this became his gratifying new passion.

Acceptance is a choice 

Fundamentally, acceptance is a choice we make.  We can choose to accept people and things as they are, or not.  If we choose acceptance, the very act births opportunities than can transform—often dramatically— our life, the life of others, and I believe the world.

I hope you choose acceptance.

 In the meantime, remember to

Let it Go—and Accept “What is”!

Dann

If you enjoyed this post, I invite you to share in the comments how practicing acceptance has helped you and share this post with others.