Thoughts or comments? Send us a text!

Ever notice how much energy goes into arguing with reality? We fixate on how someone should behave, how a conversation should have gone, or how we should feel, and the struggle only deepens the pain. Today we share a grounded approach to radical acceptance—acknowledging what’s true without endorsing it—so you can stop fighting the moment and start choosing your next step with clarity.
We walk through the core distinctions that make this practice powerful: acceptance versus agreement, noticing feelings without slapping on good/bad labels, and seeing people as they are rather than as we wish they were. Using everyday examples like recurring disappointment with a parent or partner, we show how expecting the expected reduces shock and resentment. From that clear-eyed place, you reclaim agency to set boundaries, change your response, or step back, all without excusing harmful behavior.
You’ll hear practical moves you can use immediately: name what happened and what you feel, release judgmental self-talk, offer yourself compassion, and ask one forward-looking question—Given what is true, what do I want to do next? We also point to deeper resources inspired by Buddhist teachings and Tara Brach’s Radical Acceptance for those ready to go further. By the end, you’ll have a simple, repeatable sequence for moments when emotions run hot and choices feel foggy, helping you reduce rumination, make cleaner decisions, and move through pain without abandoning yourself.
If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review so more people can find these tools. What’s one reality you’re ready to face today?

Support the show

Comments about this episode? Suggestions for a future episode? Wanna be a guest? Email me directly at [email protected].

Sign up for the launch team for my book, Nature Knows, and get free insider news and surprises at https://maryrothwell.net/launchteam

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and check out my website!