Radical Acceptance Part 7: Radical Acceptance as a Lifestyle
Let’s talk about what Radical Acceptance is not. It is not a submissive, helpless, doormat existence. Radical acceptance is not about resigning ourselves to negative beliefs, people, or circumstances. Radical Acceptance is about viewing your present reality with compassion and clarity. Using radical acceptance as a daily lifestyle choice has personally helped me find the […]
Radical Acceptance Part 6: Reducing Stress
There is a lot that can be said here, but I am all for trying to keep things simple where we can keep them simple. I once heard to remember to KISS: Keep It Simple, Silly. The next time you get a case of the “shoulds” or “shouldn’t’s” and want to take a big, stinky, […]
Radical Acceptance Part 5: Using Boundaries to Enhance Relationships
Radical acceptance can significantly improve our relationships with the people we choose to be in relationship with. If we choose to accept our partners, friends, and family members as they are—flaws and all—we build a foundation of understanding and compassion. This creates open communication, increases trust, and reduces conflict as we learn to respond to […]
Radical Acceptance Part 4: Setting Boundaries
A powerful benefit of radical acceptance is its role in setting healthy boundaries. It can come in the form of the following statements: “I accept that I have needs and it is okay for me to advocate for them.” “I accept that I have limitations, and it is okay to do what I can do.” […]
Radical Acceptance Part 3: Breaking Through Denial
Denial can be a huge barrier to growth and healing. Radical Acceptance gives us the opportunity to manage uncomfortable truths head-on rather than blaming, shaming, stuffing, using, or avoiding them. I am not here to lie to you: This is one of the most challenging areas in life- And it is absolutely necessary for healing. […]
Radical Acceptance Part 2: Understanding Radical Acceptance
The family session continued to go down-hill. Family Member 2 continued to sabotage any positive progress that the Therapist, Family Member 1, and I made. If the therapist brought up ways for us to better communicate, Family Member 1 said something like “I understand I have sometimes jumped to conclusions and haven’t heard you all […]
Radical Acceptance Part 1: Intentionally Acknowledging Reality
Radical Acceptance is a distress tolerance skill in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and it’s a transformative concept that can help shift our perspective into a space that allows us to find the answers we need by locking into the reality of the present moment, free of judgment and shame. As we take on a non-judgmental perspective, […]
Gratitude In 60 Seconds
Intentionally giving thanks motivates us to create strong and healthy boundaries to take care of ourselves, be there for our loved ones, help people, build community, and create a well of happiness to draw from when we need it. I’m not talking about just an emotional feeling of happiness, though studies show a lifestyle of […]
Intentional Living Final Thoughts: Choosing You, Right Now
Every moment is an opportunity to choose yourself. Choosing the needs of right now means tuning in to what will serve you best at this very moment and trusting that each unhurried, thoughtful and intentional choice brings you closer to the life you want to live. Whether you’re striving for sobriety, wellness, or simply peace, […]
Intentional Living: Embracing Flexibility
A sober mindset with Intentional living also encourages flexibility. Life doesn’t always go according to plan. It can be disappointing, frustrating, angering- and that’s okay. Feel your feelings. Give yourself permission to process and experience your emotions in the moment, and then choose a helpful behavior. The key is to adapt and make decisions that […]