All I really need to know I learned from my journey through OCD.

Do what needs to be done right now.

Forget the rest.

Be okay right here, right now.

Lean into what is going on around and inside of me right now. 

Sit and smile.

Know that even when things go wrong, that most often, I'm usually okay anyway.

Set attainable goals.

Celebrate baby steps as much as GIANT steps.

Avoid pressuring myself to get over OCD and anxiety within a certain time frame.

Stop trying to please everyone.

Be good to myself and to others without forgetting myself.

Abstain from wanting what I don't already have (things, people, lifestyle, etc.).

Accept that this is part of my journey.

Enjoy little moments as much as big moments.

Enthuse when possible.

Share my passion. 

Focus on gratitude.

I have recently been able to leave the house with the computer and TV on, the coffee maker and nightlight plugged in and the washing machine doing it's thing and when I came back the house was still standing and the cat hadn't escaped. So there. Take that OCD!

I am slowly learning that I don't have to be always be hyper-vigilant and that I am not totally vulnerable or always in danger of something terrible happening.

I have also decided not to put pressure on myself to prove to myself that I can still travel. I'm basically a sloth when I'm not at work or without a mission so I'm going to stop researching trips and maxing out my anxiety levels over travel plans and leaving home. For now, I've decided that I'll travel when an opportunity comes up.

I'll focus on taking in the good as Dr. Rick Hanson says.

My ways of taking in the good:

reading
swimming
sitting outside near the feeder watching the chipmunk, squirrels and birds
playing guitar and ukulele
writing music
writing
napping
cycling with my partner
baking cookies
taking photos
straightening my back
breathing in
breathing out
good cup of coffee
watching the sun set
watching the sun rise
listening to waves on the water
listening to the frogs at night and the birds in the morning
weeding the garden
sitting and enjoying the garden
paddling
warm showers
appreciating the view
writing every day
writing about gratitude in my journal every day
recognizing my good health
eating well
deep conversations with one person at a time



I wish you peace and success in your journey.