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We can accept something while simultaneously trying to change it. Acceptance, in contrast to denial, lets us look directly at the other persons viewpoint while
comparing it to our own. Acceptance is generally considered to be a passive state, but it is actually an active state.

We accept our desire to change unpleasant conditions, while we simultaneously accept the reality that those conditions exist. We do not passively submit to
those unpleasant conditions. Instead of passively stagnating with our denials and hatreds and avoidances, acceptance lets us see our potentials in whatever is
presented to us, and it allows us to explore those potentials whole heartedly.

When we accept all parts of ourselves, we develop understanding and compassion toward people who are expressing those same traits. We can protect ourselves
more effectively now, because we understand unpleasant traits, having seen them within ourselves and therefore maintain our composure when we see them
in others.

In self acceptance, we gain an honest, balanced view of ourselves, because we discern both the potential and the ego, all traits and their opposites. We don't
create a distorted self image. Self acceptance is easier if we differentiate between ourselves and our actions, thoughts, energy tones, and imagery. We are not
what we do. There is a connection and a responsibility between ourselves and those elements, a bad action does not make us a bad person. We may dislike
certain things that we do, but we don't dislike and shame ourselves for whatever we do in any given moment. With this overview, we know that we are capable
of a large range of behaviours. It is our responsibility to control our ego to ensure that we behave in a socially acceptable fashion.

The benefits of acceptance

When we accept a facet of life, it is now available for our use and enjoyment.

Perhaps we formerly rejected and hated people who had a particular skin colour. If we accept their presence in the world, we can set aside the hatred and
explore their value to us as friends, business contacts, or simply as individuals whose differences are not threats but are interesting. Acceptance affirms the
validity of other people, therefore we also consider the validity of their viewpoints, and gain new information and perspectives.

Every part of us contributes to our performance. When we accept, understand, and use all parts of ourselves, those parts cooperate to create our successful life.
Our anger can be helping us to rightly defend ourselves. We tend to reject a part of ourselves that is ineffective, frustrating, or embarrassing. That part has
those traits only because it is misunderstood, undeveloped, or ineptly expressed. We can accept it, and try to understand and enhance its qualities. In self
acceptance, we allow ourselves to express our various aspects such as being outgoing or reserved, responsible or happy-go- lucky, generous or protective.

When we accept who we are, we can be ourselves, allowing our natural personality and warmth to emerge. We are creative and fun loving. We are not
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judging ourselves and others, therefore they are comfortable with us and with themselves, so they permit their own personality and warmth to emerge.