Something I don’t write about often is my daily experience living with OCD.

Not because I’m ashamed of it.

Not at all.

But what I’ve realized is that sometimes, placing a label on something can feel limiting. It can feel like the label becomes the first thing people see — or even the first thing we see in ourselves.

It’s important to name what we’re experiencing. I mean, honestly, you have no idea the relief I felt over 20 years ago when, after countless hours of research, I came across OCD and thought… ‘OMG… this. is. me!’

For the first time, I had an explanation. I wasn’t crazy, and I wasn’t alone. There was actually a reason behind the thoughts, urges, and compulsions I’d been experiencing.

It felt incredibly validating.

Unfortunately, back then, OCD wasn’t understood the way it is today. There wasn’t nearly as much research, awareness, or support available, and the therapists I saw didn’t have the same tools and resources we have now.

Thankfully, so much has changed, and there’s more research, understanding and support.

And yet, even knowing exactly what OCD is — knowing how the thoughts work, what the compulsions are doing, and that engaging in rituals only reinforces the cycle, it still feels incredibly challenging.

Like seriously, even as I started writing this exact email to you, I accidentally typed a word incorrectly. It was a word I didn’t want in my awareness (see I still can’t even write it out for you to get the example).

And suddenly, I found myself deleting the entire email, exiting and refreshing my browser seven times, and starting again.

Thank goodness over the years, I’ve learned to copy my drafts before exiting, because before that… you can imagine how much longer things would take me.

I share this because I see so many incredible women online.

Women with dreams, gifts to share, and so much to offer. And yet, I see so many of them limiting themselves because of a label.

Maybe it’s an ADHD diagnosis, a past mistake, something someone told them they were, or a belief they’ve carried for years.

And it breaks my heart when those labels become the lens through which they see themselves.

Because yes, it is important to name things. Naming something gives you understanding. It helps you find support and realize you’re not alone.

But please hear me when I say… A label doesn’t mean limits.

A label can describe something you experience, but it doesn’t define the full expression of who you are.

A few years ago, I was part of a group therapy program, and there were many young people in the group. And I could see how afraid some were that OCD would determine what they could or couldn’t do with their lives.

I remember wanting to reach through the screen and tell them… ‘You’re so much more than this.’

And I want to tell you the same thing. You’re so much more than any label you carry.

Now, OCD varies widely from person to person, and it's not easy. There are moments when I get frustrated with myself. Moments when I realize I’m caught up in rituals, even though I know exactly what my brain is doing. Even though I know I’m reinforcing the very cycle I’m trying to break.

But over the years, I’ve learned one of the most beautiful and powerful lessons…

Grace.

Giving myself grace, and allowing myself to have this human experience. Allowing myself to have moments where I struggle… and choosing to try again.

I still live with OCD. It’s something I navigate daily.

And yes, sometimes I wonder how much more I could create or accomplish without having to carry this extra mental weight.

Then I remind myself of everything I've accomplished while carrying it.

I allow myself to be here, and remind myself that I can still show up, create, dream, and become.

Because I’m not my OCD.

And you’re not your label either.

So, whatever you’re carrying today, I hope you remember…

Your challenges may be part of your story…But they’re never the whole story.