Brag and boast! Share something you're proud of. It can be related to recovery or not. I just parallel parked in a super tight space!

I’ve grown a lot emotionally in the last few years. I didn’t realize how much of my life was organized around accommodating OCD; and also to avoid feeling like I was somehow imprisoned by the past. I chased all the highs we normally do. Attention from women. Status. Career. This sepia-filtered curated Instagram existence of living that is really a vacuum into nothing. It took a divorce, some therapy, and a real project towards growth for me to realize what a lot of people generally take for granted: that the most enriching experiences in life involve sharing and giving to others, and that vulnerability and forgiveness are two potent forces that can really heal yourself and those you know. More importantly, I learned the value of really experiencing the present. I spent a lot of time with the chatter in my head about a past that already happened and possible futures I was just inventing. Now I work on being present, even if that’s not always easy with our condition. I feel like I came closer or I am coming closer, to really knowing who I am. Might have taken nearly 34 years, but it’s something!

I’m really proud of how far I’ve come in accepting my OCD and uncertainty in life. I will always have work to do, but the amount of agony I’ve experienced has lessened, and I know it’s in large part because I’ve been able to be much more honest with my husband than a year ago.

(1) I'm extremely good in biology, chemistry and physics though I don't usually study them a lot (2) ironically I'm known as the topper in class at maths though I hate it and never really practice any of the problems

My therapist who worked in Houston at an OCD clinic thinks I can do this on my own with booster sessions. Going 3 months till next appt. I still have hard moments but I need and am learning how to believe in myself and stare my thoughts in the face and keep engaging in life. So even though I dont personally feel like I'm in recovery it's a positive and a way to take responsibility for my health and gain confidence.

I’m currently in a Master’s program so I’m proud to say that dispite dealing with the OCD, I have been maintaining A’s for the most part and passing all my classes :)

Those episodes are hard for me being as my theme is Harm and Self-Harm so it makes suicide feel more likely or like it validates the thoughts but man some days like today I can challenge it and kick its butt but I've definitely had my butt kicked. What are some ways you cope with the depressive side?