It’s the age-old question: What can you change and what do you have to just accept? The things we can change, we should!

We’re all in control of our own destiny, after all. But there are some things in life that are simply out of our hands. So, how do we accept them? Below are a dozen ways to make it happen. 

Why It’s Hard to Accept Things We Cannot Change

It is hard because we are creatures of habit. Our brains like things to stay the same. But, life is constantly changing around us. The world is always in flux and, as a result, so are our lives.

We also like to be in control. And, when we’re not, it can be frustrating. Lastly, some things are just plain difficult to accept. They may cause us pain or make us sad. But, at the end of the day, we have to remember that we cannot change everything.

12 Ways to Accept the Things You Cannot Change

1. Control the Controllable

Start to focus on the things you *can* control. If you spend all your time and energy worrying about the things you can’t control, you’ll never get anything done. Make a list of the things in your life that you can control and focus your attention on those things.

2. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

When you’re trying to accept the things you cannot change, it’s important to keep perspective. Not everything in life is a big deal, so don’t sweat the small stuff. If something really is out of your control, it’s probably not worth stressing over.

3. Let Go of the Past

One of the most difficult things to accept is that we cannot change the past. If you’re having trouble accepting something in your life, try to let go of the past and focus on the present. Dwelling on what could have been will only make it harder to accept what is.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the act of being present in the moment and accepting things as they are. If you can learn to be mindful, you’ll find it easier to accept the things you cannot change.

The next time something happens that you can’t control, take a deep breath and focus on the present moment.

5. Find a Support Group

If you’re struggling to accept the things you cannot change, it can be helpful to find a support group.

There are many groups available for different types of acceptance, such as 12-step programs or cancer support groups. Talking to others who have been through similar experiences can help you accept your own situation.

6. Seek Professional Help

If you’re having trouble accepting the things you cannot change, you may want to seek professional help. A therapist can help you work through your feelings and find a way to accept the things you cannot change.

7. Don’t Resist Change

Change isn’t momentous, it only happens when you accept it .

When you’re trying to accept the things you cannot change, resist the urge to fight against change. Instead, try to go with the flow and accept that change is a part of life.

8. Focus on the Positive

When you’re trying to accept the things you cannot change, it’s important to focus on the positive. There will always be negative aspects to every situation, but try to focus on the positive and be grateful for what you do have.

9. Accept that you cannot change everything.

One of the most important things to remember when you’re trying to accept the things you cannot change is that you cannot change everything.

You are not in control of everything, and that’s okay. Accept that there are some things you cannot change and focus on the things that you can.

10. Don’t Take Things Personally

When you’re trying to accept the things you cannot change, it’s important not to take things personally. If someone says or does something that you don’t like, accept that it’s their opinion and not a reflection of who you are.

11. Be Willing to Compromise

If you’re having trouble accepting the things you cannot change, be willing to compromise. There is usually some middle ground that can be reached if you’re open to it.

12. Practice patience

Finally, one of the most important things to remember when you’re trying to accept the things you cannot change is to be patient.

Change takes time, and it’s important not to get frustrated if things don’t happen overnight. Be patient and accept that some things take time.

Final Thoughts

If you can remember these twelve tips, you’ll be on your way to accepting the things you cannot change. Just take things one step at a time and be patient.

Accept that there are some things in life that you cannot control, but focus on the things that you can. And most importantly, don’t sweat the small stuff!