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Radical Acceptance: Letting Go of the Fight to Change Others
- sestringel
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
For years, I believed that if I just tried harder, loved better, prayed more, or found the perfect words, things would finally change. I'm guessing, if you're reading this post, you've been there too—waiting, hoping, doing everything in your power to fix what feels unfixable.
However, no matter how hard we try, some things can’t be fixed. Some people won’t change. And the longer we fight against reality, the more exhausted, confused, overwhelmed, and trapped we feel.
That’s where the concept of radical acceptance comes in. And no—it’s not what you might think.
What Is Radical Acceptance?
I used to think that acceptance meant giving up. That if I admitted something wasn’t going to change, I was somehow failing—at love, at faith, at being a good wife.
So, I fought reality. I held on to hope, looked for signs, and clung to every small moment of kindness as proof that maybe, just maybe, things would be different this time.
But nothing changed, no matter how hard I tried. And the more I fought, the more drained I became. One day, I finally asked myself:
What if the problem isn’t me? What if I’m just refusing to see the truth?
The Real Meaning of Radical Acceptance
Radical acceptance isn’t about giving up—it’s about letting go of the fight against reality. It means saying:
I don’t like this. I don’t agree with it. But this is what’s going on in my life right now.
Instead of trying to change someone who won’t change, we shift our focus to what we can control—our choices, our actions, and our thoughts. This shift creates a new kind of peace within us.
How to Practice Radical Acceptance
Here are some mindset shifts to help you bring radical acceptance into your life:
✔️ I can’t control their actions, but I can control how I respond.
✔️ I don’t have to keep waiting for someone else to change before I take care of myself.
✔️ Letting go of the fight doesn’t mean I’m okay with being treated badly—it means I’m done waiting for them to be different.
✔️ I wish things were different, but this is my reality.
✔️ No amount of effort on my part will make them change.
When we accept reality, we gain awareness, understanding, and strength. We experience a new kind of peace—the kind that comes from no longer trying to control the uncontrollable.
Support is Here When You Are Ready
If you’re stuck in the cycle of hoping, trying, and waiting, know that you’re not alone. Let’s work together to find your path to radical acceptance.
If you’re ready to take the next step, book a free first step strategy session. Let’s talk about how to move from struggle to acceptance and find the freedom you deserve.
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