You *can* and will make it through this. It might feel impossible to see beyond it, or remember what came before it, but know that what’s next is on the way and it’s so much better than where you are right now. That’s what I wish I could tell past self while she was having a nervous breakdown at her in-laws’ house in November; who couldn’t focus at work; who was crying almost every day. Baby steps are still big steps in the healing journey. You can do it.

I am honestly doing better than I thought would be possible after only two months of knowing I have OCD! I haven’t cried in weeks (and I’m a big crier!!). My anxiety is low for the first time in YEARS! The intrusive thoughts are still there, but they’re more like whispers than yells. I’m still early in my ERP treatment, but every day is a little easier. What’s been big for me is recognizing that OCD is the fear of BEING something, not being scared because I actually am something. I know what my values are and I’m confident that the decisions I’ve made in the past are a reflection of my truest self. I know that I haven’t simply “become” something. I know that I get to define what “love” and “attraction” mean to me, because those are personal concepts. I was putting so much value on what society has to say about love and sexuality, and now I understand that I get to define those definitions for myself. I’m feeling empowered and strong! And I know I’ve still got miles to go