Radical acceptance and the emotions of the end of the year

The end of the year usually brings a whirlwind of emotions. Joy and celebration often mix feelings of longing, frustration and anguish. For many, it is a time of reconnection with dear people; For others, it can evoke difficult memories, losses or expectations not met. In this context, the ability of DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) of radical acceptance, can be a great ally.

Radical acceptance means welcoming reality exactly as it is, without judgments or resistance. It is not about approving or liking, but considering that the present moment is as it is . It is an essential step in reducing emotional suffering, which is often intensified by the fight against what we cannot change. For example, insisting that “the end of the year should be perfect” can generate even more anguish when reality does not meet this expectation.

By practicing radical acceptance, we can start looking at our difficult emotions in a compassionate way. If the longing for a dear person emerges, instead of rejecting or hiding this feeling, we can welcome him as part of the human experience. This recognition does not eliminate pain, but becomes more manageable, allowing us to coexist with it less reactively.

Practicing radical acceptance is not easy, especially at intense moments, but it is possible to start with small steps. Take a deep breath, observe emotions without labels, and remember that it is not necessary to solve everything at the moment are initial strategies. Instead of fighting what we feel or want, how to want the end of the year to be different, we can choose to focus on what is within our reach: to find meaning in the present and take care of ourselves with kindness, turn the end of the year into a one Moment of self -pity and reconnection, not only with the people around us, but especially with ourselves.

So when you end 2024 I invite you to take a break, breathe deeply and connect with the present moment.  In this space of stillness, allow yourself to kindly reflect on the past year, the challenges faced and the achievements that warmed your heart. And remember: You did the best you could, even though you have the judgment that you could have struggled more.

By imagining 2025 allow yourself to dream of interests aligned with your deepest values. Cultivated presence, kindness and patience with oneself throughout this journey, remembering that every step taken with conscience is, by itself, an act of renewal.

I wish you a new year full of significant moments, connection and lightness of simply being, with self -pity, curiosity and courage.

Blessed Christmas and Welcome to be 2025 !!!

With affection, Vanessa Stechow

This text is by the Cefi Contextus - Vanessa Stechow

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