Here we are only 11 days into November and this has been a month that has begun with mourning losses and leaning into the edges of celebrating their life force. Two people that I have a long history and interesting history of connection and friendship have passed and transitioned on the the next place. The first from heart disease and dementia, age as they say, she is the mother of a friend from long ago and a woman who was a powerful force in her community. Time took over her health, however, she always had a smile and a mischievous wink for me whenever I visited her at the memory care facility last year. I will always cherish her bright blue eyes, quick wit and sense of humor. The second, a dear friend and woman from those wild years in our 20’s who always lit up the room when she smiled and knew exactly how to make me feel accepted exactly as I AM. I believe her death comes closer to my doorstep as we are the same age and what I do know is this, she made an impact in my life and this blog is dedicated to the imprint and impact they both played in building and maintaining a practice of radical self-acceptance.
In a world that often bombards us with expectations and judgments, it's crucial to cultivate a mindset that allows us to embrace ourselves fully. Today, and everyday I encourage you to explore practical ways to radical acceptance.

Release Judgment, Embrace Objectivity: Let go of the weight of judgment and adopt an objective perspective. Rather than letting preconceived notions cloud your view, practice perceiving things as they are.

Recognize Resistance: Be vigilant of chronic resentment and condemnation. When you feel resistance to reality, acknowledge it. It's okay to feel this way, but understanding is the first step towards radical acceptance.

Relaxation through Breathing: Practice physical relaxation through breathing exercises. Release tension from your muscles and create a calm space within yourself. This simple yet powerful practice can significantly contribute to accepting the present moment.

Reflect on Personal Responsibility: Consider the decisions and events that led to your current reality. Acknowledge the role you played in them without judgment. Taking responsibility is empowering and a key aspect of radical acceptance.

Resist Destructive Behaviors: When tempted by destructive behaviors, acknowledge those feelings but resist acting on them. Radical acceptance involves understanding that your actions are within your control, regardless of your emotions. Focus on Attitudes and Boundaries: Recognize that appropriate actions are tied to your attitudes and boundaries, not those of others. This shift in perspective empowers you to make choices that align with your values.

Observation Over Judgment: Learn to observe without immediately passing judgment. Identify patterns where judgment arises, and practice redirecting your thoughts towards understanding rather than criticism.

Embrace Effective Actions: Develop the willingness to take effective actions in any given situation. Avoid the tendency to resist change and instead focus on what is most effective for your well-being.

Act as If: Imagine how you would act if you were no longer resisting reality. Brainstorm these actions and, more importantly, put them into practice. Actions aligned with acceptance lead to transformative change.

Evaluate Expectations: Examine your expectations and determine if they are reasonable. Be honest with yourself about whether they may be too high or low. Adjusting expectations is a crucial step towards radical acceptance. Acceptance as a Continuous Choice: Understand that acceptance is not a one-time decision but a choice that needs to be made repeatedly over time. Each moment offers a chance to reaffirm your commitment to radical self-acceptance.

Create Coping Statements:

Develop a list of coping statements that bring you back to the present during challenging moments. These statements serve as reminders of your journey toward radical acceptance.

Embarking on the path of radical self-acceptance requires courage and commitment. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you're not just accepting yourself; you're embracing the vibrant, authentic individual that you are. Remember, it's a journey, not a destination, and I believe in your ability to navigate it with grace and resilience. CHEERS to my two friends as I honor them by mourning the loss and celebrating their lives and to radical self-love and acceptance!