Fragmented to Whole: Life Lessons from 12 Step Recovery

How to Understand the Difference Between Acceptance and Boundaries | Episode 358

Barb Nangle

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 13:15

Send us Fan Mail

In this week’s episode 358 of the Fragmented to Whole Podcast, I’m talking about a question that comes up often: What is the difference between acceptance and boundaries?

Many people think they have to choose between accepting someone as they are or setting a boundary with them. But acceptance and boundaries are not opposites. Acceptance means seeing someone clearly and no longer trying to change who they are. Boundaries are about deciding what works for you, given that reality.

Some of the talking points I go over in this episode include:

  • Why acceptance is about seeing reality clearly, not approving of someone’s behavior
  • How boundaries help you respond to reality instead of trying to change it
  • The difference between acceptance and resignation
  • Why painful realities can bring up grief, disappointment, and loss
  • How accepting who someone is can reveal the boundaries you need to set

This episode explores what it looks like to stop going to people for things they are not capable of providing, whether that is emotional intimacy, reliability, privacy, or support.

Because acceptance does not mean giving someone unlimited access to you. It means recognizing who they are, what they are capable of, and then choosing how you want to engage with them.

Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips on living a more whole life and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!


Ep. 2 Acceptance

Learn more about Fragmented to Whole at Fragmented to Whole Podcast

New to my work: START HERE



CONNECT WITH BARB NANGLE:


Subscribe to “Friday Fragments” weekly newsletter

Linkedin

Work with Barb! 

Book a “Say No Without Guilt” Session