The 5 A’s of Change - Step 3: Acceptance – Grace in the Growing
By now, you’ve likely been noticing some things. Some truths rising to the surface. Some patterns becoming clearer. Some habits or beliefs that no longer serve you.
That’s the gift of Awareness and Appreciation. And now, we move to the next key: Acceptance.
Let’s be clear—Acceptance is not giving up. It’s not complacency. It’s not a lack of ambition. It’s the foundation from which true growth is possible.
Acceptance means facing reality as it is. Not how we wish it were, or how we judge it to be. It’s saying:
This is where I am.
This is what I’ve experienced.
This is what I bring with me into what comes next.
Acceptance allows us to stop fighting ourselves. To stop resisting our humanity. To stop shaming our setbacks.
You can accept the version of you who made mistakes and still believe in the one who’s becoming.
You can say:
I accept the complexity of who I am—and I am still worthy of joy, clarity, and growth.
Your Reflection Prompts – Acceptance
What truth about your past or present are you still fighting or resisting?
What would it look like to soften that resistance with compassion?
In what ways can you honor your humanity this week?
What parts of your identity or journey do you want to accept more fully?
What becomes available to you when you stop needing to be "fixed"?
