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 37 Comments »

Something strange has been happening lately; the sun is falling out of the sky! Or at least, it feels that way to me. I don’t mean that metaphorically, like: I’m depressed and so the world is in perpetual darkness. I mean, it feels like the sun has lost its will to live.

Let me frame this for you, so you can understand where I’m coming from:

As many of you know, I grew up in Costa Rica, and that meant spending LOTS of time at the beach. My siblings, friends, and I would head off exploring down the beach to the estuary (where the river meets the sea), sometimes for a few hours. My mom would pack a lunch for us and say something like, “Be back by 1:00!” (Or two, or whatever.)

Posted in about me, depression, mental health 38 Comments »

Mrs. Jacqueline has always been a highly respected and admired woman in society. She excelled in academics, has incredible artistic talents, and is completely devoted to helping others in any way she can.

When Mrs. Jacqueline goes out into the world, and shares her energy and enthusiasm with everyone she meets, she is unstoppable. There is nothing Mrs. Jacqueline can not accomplish, if she sets her mind to it.

Little Miss Heidi, on the other hand, never wants to leave the safe confines of her home. She misses out on everything in life by hiding from everyone she knows. Little Miss Heidi doesn’t want to wake up to face her days. She doesn’t want to be seen, and dreads the thought of having to talk to anyone.

Posted in Life, about me, balance, depression, mental health 22 Comments »