There will always be people who thrive on acrimony. No matter what steps we may take to studiously avoid them, eventually each of us will have to deal at some point with people who want to tear others down to make themselves feel superior. It's just the way life works.
This can be particulary hard for those of us with a condition like OCD,as we already deal with unusual levels of anxiety. For those who are struggling with feelings of shame over intrusive thoughts, it can be even more difficult. Those people can say things that really cut deep.
But here's the news: If you're reading this, then chances are that you've fought hard enough to still be here and still be fighting. That's a remarkable attribute, that endurance. Mass media and pop culture have assigned strength a value proportionate to feats of physical prowess .While such accomplishments are indeed respectable, I often find that the greatest demonstrations of strength are often the quiet ones that happen when we take that first step out the door in the morning, bite back from responding in just as nasty a way with someone who is rude to us, forgive others and look ourselves in the mirror and have the courage to like oursleves. It takes incredible resilience to continue to fight for a good, peaceful life even when it sometime seems the deck is stacked against us. But we're strong and we endure.
One thing I've learned throughout my life is that, despite my struggles and any of the stuff that surfaces from time to time, I can like myself. My sense of self worth is sufficient that I can continue to stand strong and tall no matter what derision or hostility may come my way. No one has beaten me down yet. The person doesn't exist who is strong enough to overcome my will to endure or undermine my sense of who I am. All the stuff that I've been through in my lifetime only strengthened me and I'm still here. I'll keep standing.
You all should too. Never believe for one minute that you're anything less than the amazing person each and every one of you are. You're worth loving, worth knowing and you have an inner strength that can inspire others.
You can’t wish for that Montesino..you just have to do it. I’d like to be able to tell you there’s an easier way, but that’s why it takes strength. I’ve had to fight through all sorts of foul thoughts involving guilt and shame over things I’ve felt or thought..I’ve had to resist agreeing with someone who was tearing me down and judging me because they thought I was odd or I made them “uncomfortable”.
When the dust cleared, I was the one who had to choose to like myself despite of that. No one can do it for us. You can get support and join a community like this one where people will reach out , but people can only do so much for us. When all is said and done, you’re going to have to be the one to take that step and like yourself.
Ive been reading your posts and I think you can do this, man. You’ve hung in there so far . Take the time to like yourself. You’ve earned it.