create defiant peace

welcome to the all the hard things blog

If you’ve ever had a thought pop into your head and immediately thought, “What the hell was that?” – welcome. You’re in the right place. Intrusive thoughts are one of the most misunderstood parts of OCD and anxiety. They’re scary, unwanted, random, and wildly convincing. And for a lot of people, the moment an intrusive […]

January 20, 2026

Intrusive Thoughts 101: Why They Happen (and Why Fighting Them Makes Everything Worse)

Compulsions, OCD and Anxiety Basics, Recovery Tips

(Yes, Even “Self-Reassurance” Counts) If you’ve ever thought, “I just need someone to tell me I’m okay,” or “Once I get reassurance, I’ll finally be able to move on,” you’re not alone. For people with OCD and anxiety, reassurance seeking feels logical, comforting, and responsible. Unfortunately… reassurance seeking OCD is one of the biggest reasons […]

Reassurance Seeking OCD: Why Asking for Certainty Is Keeping You Stuck

January 13, 2026

Compulsions, OCD and Anxiety Basics, Recovery Tips