Acceptance of uncertainty and self-responsibility

Principle 5: Acceptance of Uncertainty (accepting what is outside our control)

Life is full of uncertainty. Ellis's fifth principle urges us to accept this fundamental fact.

Not everything is predictable, and many things that happen are completely out of our control. Struggling with this reality is a sure source of suffering.

If we can accept what we cannot change, it is much easier to reduce the pain and anxiety that these situations cause us.

Principle 6: Self-Responsibility (taking responsibility for how we feel and our situation)

Self-responsibility goes one step beyond self-direction. It involves taking responsibility not only for our behavior, but also for how we feel.

We must be aware that our emotional state and, in many cases, our life situation, depend largely on what we have done or thought previously.

Taking responsibility for our own well-being or discomfort gives us back our power.

Reducing suffering by accepting what cannot be changed

The combination of these two principles is very powerful.

We accept what we cannot control (external circumstances, the actions of others).

And at the same time, we take responsibility for what we can control (our responses, our attitudes, our emotions).

This distinction is the key to navigating life with wisdom and serenity.

The connection between what we do and our well-being or discomfort

Our actions and thoughts are not innocuous; they have direct consequences on our internal state. Being self-responsible means recognizing this connection and using it to our advantage.

If we don't like how we feel, we must examine what we are doing or thinking that contributes to that state.

And from there, we can begin to make the necessary changes to generate greater well-be