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These "musings" are short articles on select topics.
If this one resonates with you, learn about our online, self-paced program - Awareness-based therapy. Last updated December, 2017. Many people get hung up on the concept of "accepting what is." They wrongfully assert "If I accept, it means I can't change anything." Consider accepting from this perspective: it isn't something you do, it's what remains after you let go and stop fighting. We spend much of our time and energy in mental ruminations about what exists in the present moment. We deny reality, and make ourselves the center of stories about how things should be different, life isn't fair, we aren't good enough, we are victims, et cetera. Our impulse is to fight the present moment. We either ignore it completely, similar to closing our eyes, covering our ears, and repeating "you're not there, you're not there." Or, we use it as a stepping stone to the future and a promise of happiness "once something happens." That promise will never be fulfilled, however, because once you use the present moment as a stepping stone, you'll always use it as a stepping stone. It's like a carrot dangling in front of a horse pulling a cart. If we use our finite time and energy to mentally escape our current circumstances, wallow in anger or regret, or dwell in stress and fear, we can't use it to be creative, make better decisions, and take more skillful actions. Which, ironically, means we are likely to perpetuate what we wanted to change in the first place. The only time you can do anything is right here and now - don't reject it. Let go and stop fighting, and take action from a foundation of acceptance. Awareness-based therapy (ABT) Do you struggle with thoughts and emotions? Our online, self-paced program can help. It teaches you how your mind works, and provides a path to move beyond "coping" to achieving and maintaining a more consistent state of well-being. Find out more about the ABT program here. >>> A request: This is an ad-free (and, pop-up free) site. If what we write helps you, please share it by copying the URL http://www.thetadprinciple.com/daily-musings/to-accept-doesnt-mean-you-cant-work-towards-change and posting it to social media (or, email it to a friend!). Thank you! <<< Related writing:
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