Accepting Quote by Sheldon B. Kopp
“I remember a group therapy session when one of the patients was reluctantly turning his corner. He would accept it, he said, but he wouldn't like the idea of having to solve problems every day for the rest of his life. My co-therapist told him that it was not required that he like it. She shared her own displeasure, saying: 'I remember that when I first discovered what life was like, I was furious. I guess I'm still kind of mad sometimes.' (135)”
About This Quote
Source Therapy Session Narrative
A patient resists daily problem‑solving, fearing it, while the therapist acknowledges that liking it isn’t required, sharing personal frustration with life.
In simple terms: People often dislike the constant effort life demands, but acceptance can coexist with discomfort.
Accept effort even when you don’t enjoy it.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- daily work
- personal growth
- therapy
- self‑help
- relationship counseling
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance acceptance with proactive change?
- What small steps make daily challenges tolerable?
Discomfort may lead to burnout if not managed with self‑care.