As I write this, I am struck by a powerful concept that has recently transformed how I view the work we do at HBI and how I navigate life itself. It invites us to shift our perspective, to see the world not through the lens of relentless problem-solving but through a lens of growth, possibility, and deep understanding. This concept is radical acceptance.

At its heart, radical acceptance is about embracing what is—not what we think life should be. It’s about letting go of the “shoulds” and the “if only.” It’s not resignation or passivity but rather a profound acknowledgment of reality paired with the courage to keep moving forward. For me, this has been a lesson in rewiring my brain, how I think about challenges, and how I approach the work we do at HBI.

For so long, I had this notion stuck in my head: the challenges we see around us – the struggles and barriers faced by children, families, and communities marginalized from the resources they need – were problems to be solved. And yes, these challenges do demand action. But in embracing radical acceptance, I’ve understood that these challenges will not be fixed with simple solutions. There is no magic wand to eradicate poverty, inequity, or marginalization. Radical acceptance has taught me that acknowledging these struggles’ complexity is not an act of defeat, but rather the foundation for meaningful, sustainable change.

Radical acceptance, for me, is about creating space for growth – not just for those we serve, but for myself, our team, and the communities we work with. It’s about recognizing that while we cannot change every aspect of a child’s or family’s circumstances, we can focus on the small, courageous steps we can take each day to create a world where every child, youth, and young adult has access to health, home, hope, and the opportunity to thrive within a community that values their dignity and potential. This mindset does not mean we give up or accept the current situation as unchangeable—quite the opposite. Radical acceptance propels us to commit even more deeply. It drives us to focus on what is possible, find hope in the small victories, and trust that our collective efforts are part of a larger movement toward justice and equity.

This shift in perspective reminds me of the timeless wisdom of the Serenity Prayer:

“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.”

These words contain profound freedom. They remind us that not everything is within our control, but that doesn’t mean we are powerless. It’s about focusing our energy on what we can do—even when the road ahead feels daunting.

The Buddhists have a saying that resonated deeply: Life is full of pain. Suffering comes when we try to resist the inevitable pain of life. This doesn’t mean we should embrace pain or hardship as a permanent state, but rather that we accept its presence as part of the human experience. In doing so, we free ourselves from the endless cycle of frustration and resistance, and we open ourselves to finding meaning, connection, and growth within the reality of the moment.

At HBI, we are reminded of this every day. The children and families we serve face profound challenges—challenges that are often rooted in systemic inequities and generational cycles of poverty. These challenges cannot be solved overnight. But radical acceptance allows us to focus on what we can do. It allows us to celebrate progress, no matter how small, and to stay committed to the long, difficult work of building bridges—bridges of health, hope, and opportunity.

So, where does this leave us? In the present moment, it leaves us with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. It leaves us with the knowledge that our work is not about fixing or solving, but embracing Radical Acceptance – A Journey Toward Growth and Possibility, walking alongside those we serve, creating space for dignity, and fostering growth and possibility.

To our incredible stakeholders, thank you for walking this journey with us. Thank you for your belief in the power of this work, for your commitment to creating a world where every person has the opportunity to thrive, and for your willingness to embrace the complexity of the challenges we face. With radical acceptance as our guide, we are building something extraordinary.