Sometimes we could all use something a little radical, just maybe not the radical changes of 2020 ever again.
At the same time, we've all been getting a lot of practice at accepting things as they are. 2020 has brought a whole 'new normal' (I see you rolling your eyes there). We may not like the changes and may not want them to stick around long term, but they are the norm right now.
Radical acceptance has often times been correlated with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and is best taught by the creator herself, Marsha Linehan. Check out this page for more.
Basically, it's accepting what is happening regardless of how you feel about it. Being upset about the changes in our world is not going to make them go away or make it any easier for you. Sure, you might not wear your mask, but it isn't going to change your favorite coffee shop's stance that you need a mask to enter. Nor is it going to shorten our long phone call wait times that seem to have quadrupled in the last several months.
Another phrase that incorporates this sentiment is 'It is what it is.' Some people I've worked with hate this saying; however, it is so true. The state of the nation is what it is currently, whether we like it or not. There are some things we can do like advocate for change or advocate for compliance with CDC's guidelines. But outside of that, we have to roll with what is happening if we want to continue on our life and get anything done.
Now, I've used the example with changes related to COVID-19, but radical acceptance, or 'it is what it is,' can be applied to so many other things in our lives. Having technical issues? Plans to meet up with a friend just not working out? It is what it is. No reason to be mad about it; it isn't going to change if you are.
Need help figuring out how this can apply to what you are struggling with? Contact us today and see if we can help you (located in Gettysburg, PA). What are some ways you have used this tool?
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