Practical ways to increase acceptance for people with elevated blood glucose
Learn how acceptance can make it easier to embrace the ups and downs of diabetes, no weight loss required
Acceptance means fully acknowledging the facts of a situation. This mindset moves us away from often harsh judgment of ourselves and allows us to break away from thoughts of guilt or unfairness.
When you stop fixating on how it shouldn't be that way or how it should be this way, you move toward acceptance.
The problem with acceptance is it is often accompanied by a sense of loss or grief.
If I accept that my weight will change many times in my life, I have to grieve the belief that my weight or size is 100% within my control.
If I accept that there are no good or bad foods, I will lose the ease that comes from quick decisions and judgment.
If I accept I am not perfect, I will grieve my sense of self.
Acceptance isn’t easy.
Acceptance also isn’t cognitive.
Acceptance is a feeling that you will feel within the body.
Acceptance is something you practice. Little by little, your ability to accept grows.
Acceptance is a transition point from one belief or action to another. This can often be experienced as a feeling of relief, letting go, or calm.
The No Weight Loss Required newsletter provides helpful information on using a non-dieting, weight-inclusive approach to managing blood sugars. A long time ago, I understood that dieting didn’t work and you can’t hate yourself well. I have taken this effort in several directions, including writing five books and starting a non-profit (The Center for Mindful Eating).
Acceptance and compassion
Acceptance is hard, and that is why compassion is needed. Tara Brach, the author, explains the practice of acceptance.
Fierce Self-compassion
Kristen Neff explains why fierce compassion is often needed.
https://www.3books.co/chapters/80
Radical Self-acceptance
How to practice acceptance
Pay attention to internal cues. Notice when you focus on how something or someone should or shouldn't be or on how unfair things are. Notice how that feels within your body.
Develop the language of acceptance. Move away from thinking in terms of what others should or shouldn’t be doing or how things should be fair.
Instead of thinking, what choice should I make? Shift to language that acknowledges that not all choices are within reach. Try “What choice do I have?” or “What choice is within reach?”
Repeat these steps if you notice yourself becoming overcritical, dissatisfied, or judgmental about people, places, and situations. Pay attention to your body—how these feelings LAND in the body. Where are you feeling grumpiness, anxiety, or deep sadness?
Practice placing your hand on where your feelings land in your body. Breathing and reminding yourself that these feelings are real. You can actually FEEL them in your body.