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Accepting Reality...When You Really Don't Want To

Nina Ghamrawi, MS, RD, CDE
August 28, 2023
December 19, 2023

Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes things don't go the way we want them to. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, angry, or sad when things don't go our way. We may wish we could change the situation, or we may try to ignore it altogether. However, denying reality only makes it harder to cope. So how can we learn to accept the things we don't want to accept? Read on, or watch the video below.

If you are struggling to come to terms with unwanted situations. Here are some tips that can help you accept reality when you really don't want to:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings:

It's okay to feel upset or disappointed when things don't go as planned.

Embrace your emotions! Grant yourself the freedom to feel. Avoiding or burying emotions can heighten stress and anxiety.

2. Practice Self-Compassion:

Practice self-kindness: Treat yourself as you would a friend in tough times.

Remember that it's okay to make mistakes and that everyone faces difficult situations at some point in their life. It’s like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others on a plane. Just as you must take care of yourself first to be able to help others, showing kindness and understanding to yourself allows you to better navigate and support those around you.

3. Look For the Positive:

Even in the midst of difficult situations, there may be something positive to focus on. Look for the silver lining or the lesson you can learn from the experience. This can help you to see the situation in a different light.

4. Focus on What You Can Control:

In hard times, focus on what's within your control—your response. Your attitude can shape the outcome more than you think!

Focus on what you can control, such as your own actions and reactions, rather than what you can't control.

5. Seek Support:

Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Talking to someone about your situation can help you to process your emotions and gain a new perspective.

Taking support is like using a crutch to help you walk after you've injured your leg. Just as the crutch provides support and helps you move forward, seeking support from others can help you cope and overcome difficult situations.

6. Take Action:

If there is something you can do to improve the situation, take action. Even small steps can make a difference. If there's nothing you can do to change the situation, focus on finding ways to cope with it.

Takeaways

Remember, accepting reality doesn't mean giving up. It means acknowledging the situation for what it is and finding ways to move forward. It may not be easy, but with time and practice, you can learn to accept the things you don't want to accept. The next time you're faced with an unwanted situation, try these tips and see how they can help you cope.

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