What's a simple way to explain accepting uncertainty?

Accepting uncertainty

What’s the best way to explain accepting uncertainty? Does anyone have a simple explanation

Username: Joey GerbinoJoey Gerbino

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y ago

Accepting uncertainty boils down to you both acknowledging and accepting the fact that nothing in life is 100% certain. This applies for those with and/or without OCD. It is a major key point and power player in recovery from OCD of any/all subtypes. Easier said than done, but it is possible! Sending love, compassion and support to you while suffering from the beast and battling the monster that is OCD 💌

Username: StopgaslightingyourselfStopgaslight...

Date posted: 1y ago

Thank you for this reply! What's hard for me (and maybe the OP) is that getting this answer sometimes feels circular? (Not in a bad way! I also understand that maybe it's hard to answer in any other way since it's kind of a philosophical thing). But in a way these responses sometimes sound like "you accept uncertainty by accepting uncertainty" which can be hard for people who don't know how to do it and need specific advice. My guess is that it varies based on the fears and degree of disorder? I also imagine this is where the exposures come in, and that it's a kind of muscle memory or "fake it til you make it" kind of solution. Like, most people have to accept some degree of uncertainty, because that's just reality, and the only reason people with ocd can't accept it is that we've developed these habits or compulsions to make things FEEL certain, so when we're forced to abandon the compulsions, acceptance is the only option and we just get used to it over time, with a lot of patience and practice? Is that right or am I mistaken?

Username: Scott328Scott328

Date posted: 1y ago

I don’t really like thinking about it that way. I view my OCD as a separate entity like a fire. And the more I answer it or try to address my worries, the bigger the fire gets. And fires consume anything you give them. So I just say “ok OCD, I hear you. I know you’re there, but I’m ignoring you and I’m not going to let you ruin my life” and then I try to think about something else. This isn’t really a mantra or something I recite, but I just accept those thoughts as being “there” even though they aren’t attached to me.

Username: GregJGregJ

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y ago

I tell myself “maybe it’s true, maybe it’s not. I’m not spending any more time on this.” Then I move on. Also nothing in life is for certain. I could get hit by an asteroid right now. Can it happen? Yeah. Will it? Probably not. But I have no way to prove I won’t be hit with an asteroid. If that makes sense?

Username: Stacy QuickStacy Quick

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 1y ago

https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/values-over-fear-in-ocd

Username: Jeffrey Jeffrey

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y ago

Accepting uncertainty ti me means recognizing that anytime ocd offers as an intrusive thought is possible - and leaving it there. No argument, no compulsing , simply letting ocd be annoying and go about my day.