What Does ROCD Really Feel Like?

Disclaimer: this is our invitation for you to check in with yourself if you feel you are going into compulsive behavior with ROCD/RA content. If so, save this post for later when you’re not feeling compulsive. Please also note that each personal ROCD/RA story is different, which means, some parts may or may not resonate with you. As always, take what helps your heart, and leave the rest.

Hi love,

Since it’s summer, we wanted to do something a little different here.

Just something a little more human.

After writing last week about loneliness, community, and meeting one of our beloved Awaken into Love members in real life, we’ve been thinking a lot about how many people are living with ROCD in isolation. Alone. Paralyzed by shame and intense guilt.

Behind jobs, relationships, family vacations, summer photos, “I’m fine,” and all the little moments where everyone else seems relaxed, in love, certain, at ease... while, in the chaos of your own mind, there’s a whole world of suffering nobody could ever guess.

And we keep thinking...

What if more people could hear real stories from others who truly get it?

Of course, not perfect healing stories (guess what? Those don’t exist. Another little perfectionism trap 😉).

Not dramatic before-and-after stories either, because life is usually so much more nuanced than that.

Not “I figured it all out and now I’m certain forever.”

Just real stories.

Stories from people who have questioned their love, their attraction, their intuition, their partner, their future. People who have spiraled after conflict, checked feelings, Googled for hours, asked for reassurance, felt ashamed, and still kept choosing, little by little, to move toward life.

We’ve shared so much about ROCD over the years. But sometimes what helps the most isn’t another explanation. It’s hearing someone else say,

"Me too. I've been there."So this summer, we’d love to hear from you!!

We've been thinking about sharing more of your stories. Some anonymously, some as conversations with members who'd be happy to tell us more about their ROCD journey.

A space to hear what ROCD has actually felt like for real people. What helped. What didn’t. What surprised them. What they wish someone had told them earlier.

💌 If this sparks something in you, you can just reply to this message
Tell us what ROCD has been like for you. The messy parts. The lonely parts. The parts you’ve never really known how to put into words.
We’d genuinely love to hear your story ✨

Maybe someone, somewhere in the world, will read your words one day and finally exhale a little. Because they’ll realize they’re not the only one.

You are human, love.

And you are truly, truly not alone in this.

#YANA 🤍

With love,

Kiyomi & Manon
Awaken into Love

PS: And if opening a blank email feels a little intimidating, just reply with STORY. We’ll send you a few gentle questions to help you get started.

Important: This newsletter is meant to bring you the education, information, inspiration, and motivation. It is not meant to replace professional therapy but can help educate and support you along the process. Please note that all the material provided by Awaken into Love such as this newsletter, courses, coaching and community are not meant to diagnose you or treat a mental health disorder, it's just intended to educate and support you. 

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