One of the most counterintuitive truths about resilience: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Resilience Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of resilience
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking resilience is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging resilience without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing resilience to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for resilience while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Resilience
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting resilience, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Resilience
Many people find that when they stop fighting resilience and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of resilience is partly the struggle against it.