ACCEPTANCE DEFINITION: Letting go willfully; making peace with change to obtain balance and understanding PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: One’s shoulders and torso loosening slightly as tension ebbs Taking in a cleansing breath Nodding A smile that grows Stretching, shaking out one’s arms, rolling the shoulders, or curling the toes to release tension and embrace a new mindset Lifting one’s head to make eye contact One’s gaze going from unfocused to focused Eyes that brighten after making the decision to move forward Verbalizing one’s decision to let go:You know, I’m okay with it,orThis will work out. Moving closer to other people; no longer feeling as though one needs distance Welcoming others into one’s space (offering a hand, gesturing someone to come near, etc.) Mirroring another’s body language to build rapport (facing them, adopting their gestures) Shaking someone’s hand Making a joke to lighten the mood Grinning genuinely Offering a suggestion as a peace offering:Why don’t we go for lunch? I’m buying. Touching to offer personal contact (e.g., a light touch on their arm or shoulder) Politeness with others; listening intently Sitting with one’s palms facing up Lifting one’s hand to the chest Engaging in conversation A light tone of voice Open body posture (arms away from the body, legs slightly apart, chest out, etc.) Giving someone an embrace or accepting one Being honest with others Lighthearted laughter Strong eye contact during conversation Asking for advice out of true interest or to make someone feel valued Discussing and making plans with others INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A chest that loosens or feels lighter Breath that comes a little easier MENTAL RESPONSES: A lessening need to review past struggles and obstacles Being cautiously optimistic Thinking about the future and what new things it will bring Experiencing a mood boost when realizing that certain worries or stressors can be let go A willingness to forgive (oneself or others) to move forward A desire to share the moment with others Thoughts turning to the new situation and how one can best move forward Being ready to let go of past upsets ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Confidence Feeling happy and full of purpose (having a clear direction, knowing what goals to pursue, etc.) Forging strong, genuine relationships Clear-headedness and optimism The ability to let go of anger and worry more quickly Feeling more connected to others or the world A willingness to trust (other people, a process, one’s decisions, etc.) SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: A heavy, thoughtful sigh Tapping one’s lip with a finger in thought Asking further questions for clarification on something or to delay giving a response Pursing the lips and tipping the head from side to side, as if weighing one’s choices Lighthearted teasing:I guess you can live here. We needed someone to change the litter box anyway. Setting mock conditions:Okay, you can move out, but you must promise to call every Sunday! Dragging out one’s words to pretend that coming to a decision is a struggle Pretending to pout or otherwise hide one’s enthusiasm Keeping one’s choices and feelings a secret until the time is right Asking for more time to think it over MAY ESCALATE TO:Satisfaction,Peacefulness,Connectedness,Excitement MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Doubt,Reluctance,Regret,Uncertainty,Vulnerability ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Brighten, care, embrace, grin hold, hope, hug, join laugh, lift, listen, meet nod, plan, profess, rise share, smile, squeeze, tease touch, welcome WRITER’S TIP:When you raise the stakes in the story, don’t forget to also show the POV character’s emotions grow more intense. Whenever there’s more on the line, there’s more weight tied to the feelings being experienced.