Freedom Friday

Tavia Robinson
Oct 10
2 min read

Freedom Friday: The Power of Acceptance

“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

How do these words resonate with you today?

Pause for a moment. Free yourself from distractions:

Take a deep breath in… and exhale slowly.

Another deep breath in… exhale slowly.

One more time — breathe in deeply… exhale slowly…

Now, allow your mind to settle and your body to be present.

The Serenity Prayer offers a timeless reminder: freedom often begins with acceptance.

Acceptance isn’t about resignation or complacency—it’s about awareness and alignment. It’s the courageous act of recognizing what’s within our control and releasing what is not.

In coaching, we often explore acceptance as an invitation to shift from resistance to resourcefulness. When we acknowledge what is, we create the space to explore what can be.

According to psychology, acceptance means embracing our thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment and without trying to change them. It’s a foundational practice for maintaining emotional balance and resilience—especially in times of uncertainty or conflict.

Reflection for Leaders and Teams:

What situation in your professional or personal life is asking for acceptance rather than control?
How might practicing acceptance expand your leadership presence or decision-making clarity?
In what ways could you model acceptance for your team or organization?

If you’re looking to deepen your practice of acceptance, consider these strategies inspired by Tchiki Davis, Ph.D., Psychology Today:

Notice Your Resistance: Awareness is the first step toward change.
- Where do you find yourself resisting reality?
Question Your Patterns: Explore the roots of your reactions.
- What beliefs or early experiences shape how you handle discomfort today?
Practice Mindfulness: Presence invites peace.
- How might you build in five minutes of mindfulness today to quiet the inner noise?
Nurture Your Inner Child: Lead with compassion—for yourself and others.
- What would you say to your five-year-old self facing this same challenge?
Commit to Practice: Acceptance is a muscle—it strengthens with use.
- How can you use your next difficult moment as an opportunity to practice acceptance?