There are unfortunate events in life which make us sigh and surrender to ‘fate’, accepting the bad situation to be something that was bound to happen. Sometimes we immediately decide that there was nothing we or anyone else could have done about it. People who often have thoughts as such are called ‘Fatalists’.
People often mistake Acceptance to be the same as Resignation. Acceptance is when one actively agrees on something. It is a response towards change in life, done while acknowledging that their actions do not guarantee any results. It is acknowledging that we are not in control of certain external situational factors, but we can control the way we behave and react towards it. Resignation however, means not caring or showing concern for a matter. It is a change in mentality and attitude towards something without losing anything but instead, surrendering to the event that has happened or is going to happen. Resignation is good only when one is aware of what they can and cannot control; what they are responsible and not responsible for.
We might be able to control certain situations and experiences in life, but we should also realize that there are external factors which are beyond our control too. Despite resigning to fate ion certain scenarios, we should ultimately still see ourselves as having the freedom and autonomy to make decisions and change our lives accordingly. We remain in control of our actions and emotions.
Resignation becomes worrying when it is caused by uncertainty of what we can and cannot control. When people are unsure of what we can or cannot control, they tend to think that they have completely no autonomy over what happens in life, leading to passivity. People tend to show more concern for things they prioritize and cherish, and a situation where their action makes a difference. This is where indifference might come in, when one feels that there is no need to care about a situation they wouldn’t have an impact on.
One is indifferent to the self when he or she has a lack of interest and care for themselves, it is also a negative impact of resignation. Indifference to self is a process that initially happens slowly but gradually quickens. To prevent such an occurrence, people around them can help by making them feel that there are people who bother and care about their well-being. Someone who feels indifferent to the self does not care about their own well-being and instead, obtains energy and care from other people.
Getting to the stage of Indifference to the self is a process, but so is getting to a realm of happiness and tranquillity. Starting to show care and concern towards the self, even if it means getting that care from others, is a significant start to finding back one’s self-worth. A change in attitude is a positive step and accomplishment to eliminate indifference.
Category(s):Adjusting to Change / Life Transitions, Adult psychological development, Health Psychology, Life Purpose / Meaning / Inner-Guidance, Self-Care / Self Compassion
Source material from Psychology Today
