Lists

As of yesterday, I've been on my own for a week. Mom left last Monday, and it's good to be self-sufficient again. Even though my rituals still keep me very limited, I don't feel like the helpless lump that I was about a month ago. There's quite a lot I want to write about in this post, and I think the content would be best facilitated by creating some lists.

I've accomplished some new (and exciting!) progress working against my OCD rituals. In the past week or so, I've achieved the following:

• Staying out of the house until 4:16
• Beginning to work on my dissertation again
• Eating more sweets (my OCD objected to candy, unfortunately)
• Completely taking care of myself, without help from Mom or Dad
• Feeling more comfortable putting effort into my appearance (wearing the clothes/jewelry/makeup that I want to)

Additionally, friends and family have offered tons of support. Did you know that my friends make up a small army of super-caring, ultra-generous, swift-acting, helper-people? Things I've received (whether tangible or intangible) include: 

• Tons of hugs, good thoughts, emails, calls, etc.
• Incredibly thoughtful cards from Kerry, Amanda, Stephanie, Lauren, Meg, Pamela and Nikki (seriously, I teared up when reading these)
• A gift from my Etsy wish list, courtesy of Lauren, that I'm anticipating with bated breath
• Coloring books (!!) from Meg
• Steven has offered Alaskan salmon that he caught
• A puzzle from Tekla
• Awesome lunch dates with Dustin, Stephanie, Amanda, and many more upcoming plans on my calendar to look forward to

Now that I'm more open about my OCD, many acquaintances and co-workers inquire about my improvement. My standard response usually alludes to how surreal things have felt, but I've been telling so many people how lucky I am to have such loving friends in my life. I, truly, would not be in such good shape and making such swift progress if it weren't for all of you.