Acceptance.. The Doorway to Happiness

In this article we are going to talk about one of the most significant factors that can strongly affect your well-being it is; acceptance

Happiness can exist only in acceptance” George Orwell

We will not be exaggerating when we say that acceptance is a crucial step that will lead you to happiness and satisfaction in life.

“You cannot stop the waves, but you can learn to surf” Jon Kabat-zinn

Acceptance includes accepting yourself, radically, as you are, with all your weaknesses and failures, and also accepting all life situations as they are at the moment.

It simply means that you let go of your desire to control something that is out of your control. However it doesn’t mean that you should like or agree to the bad situation you are in. You can accept this situation and still try to do your best to find a solution.

That's why you should learn how to differentiate between what can be changed and what should be accepted as it is.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference” Reinhold Niebuhr

It may seem that acceptance will make you a passive person. However, it doesn’t mean that you don’t take actions. Actually you cannot change anything until you accept it.

The first benefit that you will gain is that you will be able to process your bad emotions. For example, you cannot get over your painful past until you accept it. Talking about the future, you can accept it by lowering your expectations. All you can do is to prepare yourself and be ready to deal with whatever life will throw your way.

One idea that helped a lot of people to accept their lives and overcome bad feelings, is that everything in this life happens for a reason and that there is a right time for everything.

Now, let’s consider what may happen if you refuse to accept yourself or your life as it is. Your resistance will cause you more pain and may create anger within you. This will hold you back from changing whatever you want to change.

For example suppose you are not satisfied with your body weight. If you refuse to accept yourself as you are at the moment, you will develop negative emotions. The thing that will drive you to eat more. Instead, you can accept your body shape, and still try to manage your diet and practice more exercise.

In conclusion, we can say that acceptance is a skill that you can develop. Initially it requires some effort. When you practice acceptance every time you find yourself in a bad situation, you will make it a habit. This will eventually lead you to peace.