Acceptance: The Art of Living Despite Anxiety

Acceptance is a buzzword in the anxiety community, but what does it really mean? Spoiler: it’s not about what you think—it’s about what you do.

If you truly accept your symptoms are anxiety-driven, your actions must align. That means no Googling, no reassurance-seeking, and no avoiding triggers. Instead, ask yourself before acting: “Would I do this if I didn’t have anxiety?” If the answer is no, don’t do it.

Acceptance also means stopping the fight. No more quick fixes, diets, or endless research to make symptoms disappear. Trying to force anxiety to go away isn’t acceptance—it’s resistance. Instead, live your life as if anxiety doesn’t matter. With time (and yes, time is crucial), your nervous system will settle, and you’ll feel the difference.

Remember, acceptance doesn’t promise overnight change, but it does promise progress.