Throughout history, various schools of thought such as Stoicism, Taoism, Buddhism, existentialism, and even contemporary ideas such as the law of attraction, have promoted acceptance as a fundamental tool for personal development.
"What you resist, persists. What you accept, transforms you."
When we talk about acceptance, it is crucial to highlight two key aspects: the internal (our identity at a conscious and unconscious level) and the external (everything that surrounds us and affects us).
Although Jung’s quote («What you resist, persists») refers mainly to the internal aspect, it also applies perfectly well to the external.
The truth can be painful and perhaps that is why many people prefer to deny it or pretend it does not exist. However, resisting what is (either internally or externally) hinders your growth and limits your ability to experience a fulfilling life.
It is important to remember that your reality is not determined by the circumstances you face, but by your reactions to them. By generating resistance, you give power to what you don’t like and prolong its presence in your life.
Tip of the day
Today I share with you three steps to turn your reactive responses into intentional and conscious reactions.
- Become aware of the moments when resistance arises in your thoughts, emotions and actions.
- Once the resistance is identified, take a deep breath and recognize and accept reality as it is.
- Let go of the need to control and allow circumstances to be different from how you wanted or imagined them to be.
