According to Nathaniel Branden’s quote, the second step toward change is acceptance. This week I’ve been experiencing frustrations that things aren’t moving as smoothly or quickly as I’d like. I’ve had the awareness but when does the change come?

Acceptance – it is what it is, so be it. My awareness was a big “aha” for me but no one else gets it. My big moment wasted. Or so it seems. This too must be accepted – the reality of it is is that it’s really no biggie to anyone but me. Sigh.

Acceptance – apparently acceptance doesn’t come until the resistance is over. Surely I’m not resisting. It seems backward to even think I’m resisting now that I’ve had the awareness. Stepping back from the situation I can see I am. I’m resisting so many things – no one is interested (how could they not? To my mind this was groundbreaking.), why isn’t somebody doing something about it (it’s like they don’t even care!) and why is it always up to me (it’s going to be a hard slog and it probably won’t make a difference anyway)?

Acceptance – it’s up to me to be the change I want to see in my world. Is this what I’ve been resisting? I would suggest yes, it is. Stepping up, taking charge, being the leader – these aren’t just noble words; these are actions I must take if I am to make a change.

Change takes time, it takes effort, results are not instant and in a world of instant results, this is not so easy to sit with. Step one – awareness – my actions, my behavior have a natural consequence which is not serving me. I want things to be different.  Step two – acceptance – acceptance of the current reality, including the unsavory parts of it comes after the resistance. This is part of acceptance. Letting go of the resistance frees up the energy needed to take action and create the change. Perhaps the quote is wrong – resistance is step two and acceptance is the third step.

However you number it, change does not magically happen by itself. It takes a shift away from the unconscious resistance towards the conscious acceptance of the current reality. When you accept where you are right now, you are in the powerful position of choosing your next action towards the change you want to create.

Are you resisting what is to avoid making the changes you need to make in your life? Contact me to see if I can help shift the resistance you’re struggling with.