The Art Of Exposure

The Art Of Exposure is inspired by my long-suffering phobia for sharp objects,(knife to be precise),  as someone living with OCD for years, it has really been challenging dealing with this phobia, as every time, I’m tempted or get the urge to hurt myself.

I love cooking but this has brought a  strain in  my relationship with cooking and the kitchen. Every time I step in the kitchen, I get panic attacks and it becomes debilitating. I always try my best, but I experience so much anxiety that I panic , run out and hide myself, and the cycle continues. Go in, panic, run out, hide under my duvet.

This has really been exhausting, at a point my family thought I was just lazy, as I don’t like doing dishes or cooking, even going past the kitchen freaks me out.

When medication came into action, life became better and bearable,

My love for cooking begin to ignite in me again, I challenged my self to conquer my fear.

That is where the The art of exposure came into mind

Exposing yourself to the unknown.

In a professional setting, exposure therapy as been said to help with phobia sometimes, depending on the severity. I can say this has been really helpful to me.

Now I cook delicious meal whenever I want and when the harming thoughts pops up, I remind myself I won’t hurt me, I remind myself I’m safe with me.

That where the idea of my tattoo came from. ( you are safe with me)

It’s a constant reminder that I will always be safe with me, Myself.

And this has been such a great carthasis for me, a part of me is healed and sometimes when this horrible feelings become terrible, I let it flow and not force my self to be in the kitchen.

To everyone suffering it gets better.

Remind yourself that you are safe with you❤️

Beautiful dishes I have made so far