People who have OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder, usually harbor a huge dislike for that part of themselves.
OCD symptoms are extremely uncomfortable and sufferers may find the diagnosis embarrassing, or believe it implies weakness. Coming to terms with having it can be difficult.
It may help to remember that almost everyone is fearful of what lies within them—including those without obvious symptoms of a disorder. The most difficult thing for people is to accept the human condition which we all share. For some of us, that condition includes symptoms of a mental health disorder.
Fortunately, we can think respectfully of ourself and have OCD. We can work with a counselor to reduce symptoms while accepting the symptoms without judgment.
Coming To Terms With Ourself
“The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.” ~ C.G. Jung
“Learning to be kind to ourselves, learning how to respect ourselves, is important. The reason it’s important is that, fundamentally, when we look into our own hearts and begin to discover what is confused and what is brilliant, what is bitter, and what is sweet, it isn’t just ourselves that we’re discovering. We’re discovering the universe.” ~Pema Chodron
“You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” ~ Siddhartha Gautama
“All I'm saying is that sooner of later, you'll have to come to terms with yourself. You can't wish away the vampire in you, and you shouldn't keep atoning for it. You should figure out who you are and what you need, and then don't apologize for it. Not to me, to your mum, or to anyone.” ~ Jeaniene Frost
“The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself. If we don't have that we never grow, we never learn, and sure as hell we should never teach.” ~ Maya Angelou
“There is darkness inside all of us, though mine is more dangerous than most. Still, we all have it—that part of our soul that is irreparably damaged by the very trials and tribulations of life. We are what we are because of it, or perhaps in spite of it. Some use it as a shield to hide behind, others as an excuse to do unconscionable things. But, truly, the darkness is simply a piece of the whole, neither good nor evil unless you make it so. ~ Jenna Maclaine
“It’s possible to think respectfully of yourself whatever your diagnosis. The mishmash of strengths and weaknesses you find in yourself is the same mishmash in everyone else. Particulars may differ, but mishmash is mishmash. So, if you treat others with respect, technically you have to include yourself.” ~ Jean Marshall
“If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation.” ~ Jiddu Krishnamurti
Photo credit: Jacob Better / flickr
