Acceptance is receiving without criticism or judgment; to embrace the fullness of a situation or experience; an inner realization that all is well, regardless of the outward expression.

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You do not have to like what is going on in your life, but you must accept that it, whatever it is, is going on.  As long as you do not accept reality, you are powerless to define the role you will play.

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Acceptance is knowing that no matter what, everything is and will be just fine.

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Acceptance is simply recognition.  When you recognize a thing you see it for what it is.  All of our experiences, no mater how awful they appear to be, are temporary.  Acceptance of an experience as a temporary situation can make it a lot easier to handle.  It does not mean you will not be temporarily angry, frightened or senseless.  It means you can usually handle something in a calmer manner when you know it is a temporary situation.

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Accepting a thing does not mean you approve of what is going on.  Nor does it mean you are not being impacted by what is going on.  Acceptance means you are able to withdraw the emotional attachment just long enough to really see what is happening . . . it is only from the emotionally detached posture of acceptance that you can make a wise choice.

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By accepting what is, you become keenly aware of what isn't.  When you know what isn't, you can begin to determine what you must do.