When Life Feels Out of Control: Practicing Radical Acceptance
Let’s be honest, life has been a lot lately. Between unpredictable news cycles, social media overload, and real-life responsibilities, it can feel like we’re just trying to keep our heads above water. And for many of us, the more we try to stay informed and in control, the more overwhelmed we become.
In this post, we’re diving into how to care for your mental and emotional health when the world around you feels chaotic, and how practicing radical acceptance can help you regain some peace.
Life is Happening… Fast
Whether you’ve personally been affected by job loss, rising costs of living, or emotional burnout, or you’re just overwhelmed by the constant stream of bad news, you’re not alone. We’re all navigating a lot, and sometimes it feels like the ground is shifting beneath us.
I shared on the podcast a personal moment from the start of the pandemic when I lost my job unexpectedly while adjusting to life as a single mom. That season taught me what it really means to face uncertainty head-on and reminded me how important it is to focus on what is in our control when everything else feels out of it.
Let’s Talk About Radical Acceptance
Radical acceptance is the idea that we acknowledge reality as it is, not as we want it to be. It doesn’t mean you’re okay with what’s happening. It doesn’t mean you like it. It simply means you stop fighting against what you can’t change.
Instead of staying stuck in resistance (“This shouldn’t be happening”), radical acceptance says, “This is happening. Now how do I want to respond?”
It’s a mindset shift that helps reduce emotional suffering by letting go of the mental tug-of-war.
Signs You Might Need to Pause
If you’re:
- Feeling tense or anxious while scrolling social media
- Consuming back-to-back news stories until your body feels exhausted
- Experiencing racing thoughts, emotional fatigue, or burnout
…it’s time to check in with yourself.
The constant intake of information, especially heavy or traumatic content, can wear down your nervous system. It’s okay to step away. Taking breaks from media, setting boundaries with your screen time, and curating your feed to include more uplifting or neutral content are all healthy ways to protect your peace.
Ground Yourself in the Present
When the world feels like it’s moving too fast, grounding techniques can help bring you back to the here and now. Some tools to try:
- Pause and breathe. Intentional breathing slows your nervous system and clears mental clutter.
- Progressive muscle relaxation. Tense and release muscle groups from your toes to your head.
- 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness. Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.
These practices aren’t about ignoring your problems. They’re about regulating your body so you can approach challenges with a clearer mind.
Mantras That Help Reframe the Moment
Sometimes, a simple phrase can remind us of what we do have control over. Try repeating:
- “This is hard, but I can handle it.”
- “I don’t have to like it to accept it.”
- “I release what I can’t control.”
You can write these on sticky notes, save them as reminders, or say them aloud when you feel tension rising.
Support Systems Matter
Let me say this clearly: you do not have to carry everything alone.
Whether it’s a close friend, your therapist, or your group chat, leaning on your support system can be the pressure release you need when everything feels like too much. Sometimes, support also looks like choosing solitude to recharge. Just be sure you’re listening to what you need.
Know When to Reach for More Help
If the uncertainty starts to feel too heavy, if you’re struggling to function, feeling emotionally unsafe, or losing hope, it’s time to ask for help.
You can contact a therapist, join a support group, or call a mental health hotline. There’s absolutely no shame in needing more support than you currently have.
📞 Call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor 24/7.
If you’re looking for therapy resources, try:
And if you’re in Texas and seeking a therapist, click here to request an appointment with me.
Thank You for Stepping Into This Space With Me
Remember, navigating uncertainty isn’t about pretending everything is okay. It’s about giving yourself permission to slow down, feel what you’re feeling, and focus on what you can control.
Practicing radical acceptance takes patience, self-awareness, and the willingness to release what isn’t serving you. You’re not alone in this process. I’m here with you every step of the way.
Let’s keep this conversation going.
And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out the full podcast episode for a deeper dive into these tools and real-life reflections.
🎧 Watch now: When Life Feels Out of Control: Practicing Radical Acceptance
Let’s stop trying to carry everything on our own and start creating space for peace, balance, and healing together.
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