Grounded in Reality: An Exploration of Acceptance in Relational Conflict

Acceptance work encompasses “the processes that allow us to be fully grounded in reality” (Canfield, 2023). It allows individuals to embrace what truly is, both the good and the bad. It enables them to be at peace with what they can’t control, so that they can put their energy into changing what is within their power. This project explores how acceptance work connects with other aspects of conflict process, including grieving, emotional regulation, and other concepts. Research was conducted by studying materials on communication and conflict processes, and by applying the materials to the author’s life. The author explores how these concepts influenced teamwork, romantic relationships, decision-making, and personal emotional wellbeing. Throughout the course of the project, eight “truths of reality” emerged as significant to the author and are explored through her experiences. These truths include an acceptance that suffering and imperfection are a part of life; that other people’s actions, the past, and future are outside of our control; that uncertainty and change are constant realities; and that we cannot control what emotions are triggered for us. The truths also acknowledge that parts of our experience are within our control. The author argues that this acknowledgement allows for action and change. The author shares her experiences living the truths and expounds upon them through conflict literature and her experiences.