I was once a bit OCD. I don’t mean that my house was neat and tidy (though it probably was), or that I was a control freak (though I definitely was); but rather, I had obsessive thoughts that I compulsively acted on, even when I knew I shouldn’t. I would tell myself NOT to act on those thoughts… but, when they arose, it was like I was on autopilot. I absolutely, compulsively, had to follow through, no matter what.

When I was dealing with this issue, I learned that OCD people live in an imaginary world that is Beyond Reasonable Doubt. Some doubts, of course, are reasonable and prudent.

For instance:

I just cut raw chicken on the counter, so I should disinfect it. (Reasonable)

Posted in bad habits, balance, choices, compulsions, mental health 38 Comments »

Last Wednesday I started this series of Road to Freedom Updates, in order to keep you involved in the more practical side of our big decision to leave the rat race with no Plan B. In case you missed it, you may want to check out RTF Update #1 first.

The biggest news I have for you is that our road trip will officially begin today! Around lunch time we will embark on the first leg of the trip, from Georgia to North Carolina. We had originally planned to leave tomorrow, but the extraordinary kindness of friends allowed us to get a head start and spend an extra day with Nadia in New York City! So…

Start spreading the news: We’re leaving TODAY!!!

Posted in Life, Road To Freedom Update, bad habits, choices, needs 18 Comments »

Most of you are probably quite familiar with Leo Babauta. His blog, Zen Habits, has about 68 billion subscribers (I rounded up), and he just launched his latest project, an ebook called The Essential Motivation Handbook (a partnership with Eric Hamm from Motivate Thyself). Leo does NOT need any “link love” from me, nor will he benefit in any significant way from this post… but I’d still like to feature his work for two reasons:

1. The three of you who STILL don’t know Zen Habits should really check it out.

2. To make up for my karma of being a total Leo-doubter in the beginning.

Posted in Fellowship Fridays, Overcoming Challenges, Reviews, bad habits, choices 16 Comments »