Acceptance means letting go of trying to control thoughts and feelings.
People often believe that they can create the life they want only when they have overcome a psychological hindrance, like fear or depression. They’re wrong—and this false expectation might be holding them back.
As counterintuitive as it might sound, psychological pain should be embraced, not avoided. When we try to avoid a negative feeling like anxiety, the psychological pain only becomes more prominent. If you embrace anxiety instead, the acceptance will help you feel more fulfilled and, ultimately, free.
Acceptance reveals a willingness to live in the present moment, and to see this moment for all its energy, vitality, and possibility. Trying to control thoughts is not a form of acceptance. In fact, this misguided technique can rob you of the power of the present moment.
Sick of living in your own head? Try our Instaread on Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life to get back on track.
