I have been thinking a lot about the ammunition background checks and the new fees in New York. It upsets me and annoys me to no end, much like the burn ban and so many other things in New York State. But alas I’m powerless to change the direction of the state and while eventually I can relocate for now I’m embracing Radical Acceptance, much like the sign over Sheldon Silver’s old Capitol Office – It is What It Is.

Still it bites me to no end every day I read the news articles and the direction our state is going. But I try to avoid getting too hung up on it, and embracing Radical Acceptance and staying away from the news and social media platforms – and planning to stock up in Pennsylvania or West Virginia. Some day though I’ll move to a state that respects my freedom.

Radical acceptance is a concept often associated with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy. It involves fully and completely accepting reality as it is, without judgment or resistance, even if you don’t like or agree with the situation. Here’s a more detailed explanation:

1. Accepting Reality: Radical acceptance means acknowledging the facts of a situation as they are, without trying to deny, avoid, or change them. It’s about coming to terms with the present moment, no matter how difficult or unpleasant it may be.

2. Letting Go of Judgment: It also involves letting go of judgment and criticism towards yourself and others. Instead of labeling things as “good” or “bad,” you simply acknowledge that they are what they are.

3. Embracing Emotional Responses: It doesn’t mean you have to like or approve of a situation, but rather that you acknowledge your emotional reactions to it. This can help you better understand your feelings and work through them constructively.

4. Reducing Suffering: Radical acceptance is a way to reduce emotional suffering. When you stop resisting reality and accept it as it is, you can free yourself from the additional pain caused by fighting against what you cannot change.

5. Problem-Solving from Acceptance: It’s important to note that radical acceptance doesn’t mean you should never take action to improve your situation. In fact, it can be a foundation for effective problem-solving. Once you’ve fully accepted reality, you can make clear-headed decisions about how to move forward.

6. Mindfulness Practice: Mindfulness is often a key component of radical acceptance. By staying present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment, you can more easily practice radical acceptance.

Overall, radical acceptance is a valuable skill for coping with challenging situations, reducing emotional distress, and fostering personal growth and resilience. It allows you to approach life with a more balanced and open mindset, even when facing difficulties.