Happy New Year!
Working Progress into 2023
Happy New Year! And Happy Capricorn season, for those who celebrate. 😊
For me, 2022 was about practicing radical acceptance. Radical acceptance is a curious, constructive, and courage-filled holistic approach to handling disappointing situations and emotions. This model can help with facing uncomfortable truths, connecting with ourselves and others, and creating lasting change. When we move beyond our judgments, people-pleasing, and perfectionism, we open the door to freedom, connection, and joy.
Centering radical acceptance is changing how I process job rejections, relationship failures, and painful emotions. Seeing the reality of the situation without resistance or denial helps me make more informed decisions, work more effectively toward change, and avoid burnout.
It’s even shifted my perspective on culture, identity, and politics. It is common to experience disappointment, frustration, or despair when progress is slow. Radical acceptance is a crucial part of this analysis because it challenges the systemic and structural oppression that exists in our society- fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among each other. Rather than cycling through despair, moving beyond pain and suffering caused by oppressive systems empowers progressive communities that address all our needs. We can connect with and support others more authentically and compassionately while leading more resilient and effective movements.
In 2023, I look forward to continuing this practice and collaborating with my community through this newsletter.