Living Into Your Values!! :)

[OCDAdvocateKatie]

I've received a ton of questions lately on what it means to "live into your values." I know I talk about this all the time...but what does it actually mean?!

Often, when we talk about living into our values, we are referencing a concept from ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy). As a part of this treatment...living into your values is all about acknowledging and choosing to do those things that are meaningful to you...regardless of how you feel!

It's important to note that a value isn't a goal or a destination...but rather a direction of focus for your life. You might ask yourself...what brings me joy? Where do I find purpose? What are the most important things to me? An example of some values that emerge might be: faith, curiosity, love, justice, humor, generosity, curiosity...and many more! What does this look like for you?! There is no right or wrong answer!

Once you've determined your values, they can serve as a compass. No matter what you're experiencing (even with intrusive thoughts or icky feelings), you can move in the direction of the things most meaningful to you!

Let the feelings or thoughts come along for the ride (as passengers on the bus). If you simply make the choice to live into your values (in this moment), the present life you desire will eventually follow.

I know it can feel hard and scary to do things that are meaningful to you...especially if you're struggling or if your OCD (or anything else) says you don't deserve it. But you ALWAYS deserve to live into your values. And it ALWAYS helps you move towards recovery and a present life, regardless of how you feel in the moment. Let's do it together!

[Senpai_art]

Thank you for the text. I often try to distance myself from my values (the things I like to do), it seems that they won't be important, that I should do what some people are hoping I will do, but I do believe that the most close of my values I am, the most I can do and feel better with what I'm doing. Thanks once again.

[3BirdLover]

This is something that my therapist and I have discussed in my sessions. It has really made a big difference in my life. She also shared with me that OCD usually affects our values the most. This really rings true. It was actually a relief for me to know. What I understood from learning this is that since I value people so much is why my Harm OCD seems to often be a problem (which means I'm not the horrible person I feared I was).

[Mcfly64]

Katie you always give such great advice. Thank you.