What Is Acceptance?

Acceptance is the act of acknowledging something that has happened and understanding that it cannot be changed. It does not mean that you have to condone what happened or erase its effects; rather, it means that you can accept the reality of the situation for what it is. This was very difficult for me. It certainly took time to accept what I endured. This can be a difficult thing to do if you’ve been through emotional abuse; however, acceptance can be a powerful tool for healing.

Why Is Acceptance Important?

Acceptance allows you to move on from the trauma of emotional abuse and start to heal. It allows you to recognize what happened without getting stuck in negative emotions such as shame or guilt. Being stuck in negative emotions can wreak havoc on your emotional health. I created a PDF of healing affirmations, get yours here.

Acceptance also enables you to understand your own actions. It’s important to remember not to blame yourself or anyone else for what occurred. And most importantly, it helps create space in your mind so that you can begin to process your emotions in healthier ways so you can find joy in life again.

Creating Space for Acceptance

The practice of acceptance is easier said than done; however, there are some steps that you can take to create space for acceptance in your life and begin the healing process:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: Take the time you need each day to sit with your feelings and acknowledge what has happened without self-judgement or blame. I have found the Young Living Lavender essential oil to be very helpful. You can put it in a diffuser, apply it to your body or apply it to your pillow with a cotton ball. The smell promotes soothing your senses,

• Reach Out For Support: Connecting with supportive friends and family members can provide invaluable help as you process your emotions and learn how to cope with them more effectively. Consider joining the Facebook Community – Healing from Emotional Abuse for Heart-Centered, Confident, Single Moms. As a survivor of domestic violence & emotional abuse I share things that are working, and have worked for me. I am in this community daily.

• Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, or journaling. Really talking kind to yourself is so important. Do things that you totally enjoy in your heart. Here are a few more ideas on ways to improve your emotional health. Take time for self-care activities that warm your heart that promote self-love like reading or listening to peaceful or calming music. As you start thinking positive and doing things you really enjoy, it helps create space in your mind so that acceptance becomes easier over time.

One last thing…

Acceptance is an important first step towards healing from emotional abuse; you are one step further in your healing journey to finding joy in the life you so desire and deserve. There are many other strategies that may be helpful as well; I highly recommend seeking professional assistance from a therapist. You will get access to additional support tailored specifically towards helping you manage through any trauma associated with the abuse.

One type of therapy that has worked extremely well for me is ART Therapy.

With time and patience comes healing—and whatever path works best for you will ultimately lead towards living a happier life going forward.