“I tried to accept my feelings, but they actually got stronger. Did I do something wrong?” This is actually quite common and part of the process. Sometimes when we finally give emotions space, they initially intensify as they begin moving. Continue practicing acceptance, and you’ll likely notice that the intensity naturally shifts and changes.

“How is acceptance different from suppression or ignoring emotions?” Acceptance is the opposite of suppression. Suppression is refusing to acknowledge feelings, while acceptance is fully acknowledging them without judgment. Acceptance brings awareness to emotions, while suppression tries to push them away.

“I’m afraid if I accept certain feelings, they’ll overwhelm me or never go away.” This is a natural fear, but research and experience show the opposite is true. Emotions that are accepted tend to move through and transform more quickly than those we resist. The saying “what we resist persists” has strong scientific backing.