Radical Acceptance

Hello friends,

After many hours of somewhat agonizing self-reflection, I understand I have great difficulty with the concept of acceptance. I want to believe that all things are malleable and controllable. That if I work hard enough, I can change the narrative and outcome. In the last few years, and several therapists later, I understand that many things are completely out of my control. However, this cognitive understanding and my emotional peace with what I cannot change can feel worlds apart. Why is radical acceptance an important wellness concept? The goal of radical acceptance is that by accepting people, situations, and life events for what they are and without judgement, you can acknowledge your emotions and move forward. Radical acceptance is based on the concept that suffering comes not directly from a painful experience but from one’s attachment and inability to let go of the pain. Striving for non-attachment does not mean not feeling emotions. It refers to the intention of not allowing pain to turn into long-term suffering. 

Part of wellness is understanding the energy we expend on life experiences. I had been spending an exorbitant amount of energy on situations I could not control - people, projects, passions I was no longer engaged in, but was just too stubborn to let go of. This behavior left me exhausted and closed the door on focusing energy on my real priorities. In 2024, I made a change. The results were incredible. I now see the world a bit differently. I’ve opened space for beautiful relationships I craved. I started a passion project that feels tremendously fulfilling, all because I learned to accept situations as they are, uncontrollable. In 2025, I’m leaning large into letting go. Stay well•ish friends!

xoxo,

Dani