From Stuck to Unstuck: Creating a Life Alongside Anxiety

What if courage doesn't feel like bravery but like fear and trust at the same time? In this powerful inaugural episode of OCD Insights, Samantha Bray sits down with Rexx- meditation instructor, and creator of The Unstuck Journal to explore what it really takes to build a meaningful life alongside anxiety and OCD. Rexx shares her journey from believing she had schizophrenia after experiencing her first intrusive thought, to years of misdiagnosis, to finally finding relief through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This conversation goes beyond symptom management. It's about taking imperfect action, living by your values, and refusing to wait for anxiety to disappear before fully living. From solo travel abroad to building a business alongside OCD, Rexx embodies value-based courage. If you've ever felt stuck waiting for your anxiety to go away before living your life, this episode will remind you that you don't have to wait. Highlights: The difference between OCD and general anxiety What intrusive thoughts actually feel like Why courage often feels like fear in the moment How anxiety makes your world small and values make it bigger The difference between journaling as growth vs. journaling as compulsion Why manifestation culture can unintentionally worsen OCD The shift from eliminating anxiety to living alongside it How baby steps build confidence over time Questions Explored: How do you know if what you're experiencing is OCD versus general anxiety? What does an intrusive thought actually feel like? Why is misdiagnosis so common with OCD? How can you tell if journaling is helping or becoming a compulsion? What's the difference between taking action to eliminate anxiety vs. taking action despite anxiety? Can manifestation and positive thinking practices be harmful for people with OCD? How do you shift from "I'll live once anxiety is gone" to "I'll live alongside anxiety"? Therapeutic Techniques Discussed: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) – Moving toward fear while resisting compulsions Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Living a meaningful life alongside anxiety Mindfulness Practices – Observing thoughts without judgment rather than trying to control them.  Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Unstuck Journal 05:05 The Journey of Creating the Journal 08:06 Understanding OCD and Its Impact 10:58 Overcoming Anxiety and Embracing Life 13:53 The Role of Values in Managing OCD 16:56 Prompts and Tools for Self-Discovery 19:39 The Challenge of Vulnerability in Sharing 22:47 Future Aspirations and Continuous Growth 30:41 Living Alongside Anxiety 31:47 Journaling vs. Mindfulness 33:42 The Purpose of Journaling 35:31 Building a Bigger Life 37:36 Courage and Trust in Facing Anxiety 42:43 Defining Courage 46:31 The Impact of Thoughts on Reality 59:55 Understanding Intrusive Thoughts and OCD Awareness 01:01:50 Meditation and Mindfulness in Managing OCD 01:04:17 Value-Based Actions vs. Control 01:07:17 The Role of Journaling in Managing Anxiety 01:09:45 Exposure Therapy and Value-Driven Goals 01:12:14 Community Support and Resources for OCD 01:14:26 Advanced Mindfulness Techniques 01:17:08 Defining Values and Their Importance 01:21:38 Creating a Day of Purpose 01:24:03 Final Thoughts and Resources 01:26:18 Navigating Anxiety and Courage 01:27:42 Living by Your Values CONNECT WITH OCD INSIGHTS: 📧 Newsletter: https://www.ocdinsights.com/newsletter 🌐 Website: https://ocdinsights.com📸 Instagram: @ocdinsights 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OCDInsights/ 💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samanthabraylcsw ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OCDInsights Get The Unstuck Journal: https://www.theunstuckjournal.com MUSIC CREDIT: Music by Kevin Sherman at www.Kevinstunes.com