I have OCD now, on top of everything else (PTSD, DID, CFS/ME, GERD, IBS, etc.).

My steps involve:

1. Pacing myself - relaxing intermittently between tasks.

2. Taking one task at a time (because one day can even be too much).

3. Telling myself positive affirmations at least once a day. This include using internal family systems (IFS) coping to speak with my alternate personalities (alters) about certain decisions, which occurs on a daily basis.

4. Telling myself what's safe, so that I remain grounded and less anxious about doing certain tasks (whilst also using IFS coping).

5. Trying to eat healthier.

6. Trying to sleep healthier.

7. Trying to maintain good hygiene, since I don't have the energy to shower every day.

8. Maintaining a spreadsheet of my budgeting and daily tasks, which logs my accomplishments for the day.

9. Telling myself that it's okay if I have an "off" or "bad" day. There are days when I simply cannot do anything as planned.

10. Communicating with my therapist via email every day and online during our sessions twice per week.

11. Using effective communication with others via phone, Zoom, chat, forums posting, email, and/or texts. I'm not perfect, but I do the best I can.

12. Trying to combat one fear per week, whether that be going outside alone for a walk during the daytime or early morning hours, or not feeling compelled to wash my hands as many times that I do, or using lotion on my hands more frequently.

13. Minimizing my triggers, any toxic relationships, any toxic news, the general news, and any other stressors. I can minimize this to one hour per day or once per week - or something to that effect. But I try to never read disturbing news first thing in the morning or the last thing before bed. I try to reserve that for the middle of the day, if possible.

14. Being flexible with goals. This is still a traumatic pandemic. Things are constantly changing, so my goals have to change, too. I'm more open about change than I was two years ago. It's not easy, and it comprises many traumatic losses, much traumatic grief, many traumatic triggers, and more. Nevertheless, I am surviving, and that's the best I can do.

15. Remaining as safe as possible, and being true to myself, which includes all of my alters.