what is the difference between having hope and giving self-reassurance?

I’m still trying to figure that out too

Having hope is things like "I deserve to be happy. OCD is strong, but I'm stronger. I can reach recovery. It won't be easy, but I can do it." Seeking reassurance is a compulsion. You can reassure yourself or give it to yourself. So I have health OCD. I get majorly anxious about any little change or pain. I also have a lot of anxiety about starting a new medication. So examples of seeking reassurance would be going to the doctor for every little thing. Or googling things like symptoms or side effects. Or asking someone else a question like "Do you think this supplement or medication is safe? Have you ever taken it? What was your experience like? Or if you struggle with something like harm OCD. Doing research about psychopaths or serial killers. Asking a friend or loved one "Do you think I'm capable of violence or injuring or killing someone?" These are all examples of seeking reassurance. A compulsion will always have a sense of urgency. You need to resolve it RIGHT NOW. Does that help?

Same- I’m sitting here wondering if I’m spending too much time reading community posts for reassurance. We will get thru this and find the “answer” together

The key to identifying a compulsion is WHY you do it. If you are saying, thinking or doing something in an attempt to relieve your anxiety, then its a compulsion. Compulsions can be hard to identify and even harder to stop. But the more you do it, the easier it gets. Your OCD will fight you. It doesn't want to lose the control it has over you.

that makes sense. however sometimes i use the thought "you can do it, you are strong" to shut down the obsessions, which is not sitting with the uncertainty. its making certain that things will be ok. if i botch it i end up ruminating for long explanations of why things are ok or why i can do it. (sometimes my explanations are so ingrained that i dont necessarily ruminate but am automatically aware of previously drawn out ideas, and i am constantly reminding myself). isnt that a compulsion? but it also feels like im giving myself hope which i know is a good thing. 😭