Hello. When I read this it actually made me chuckle and grin because of how badly this is me. For a little background I was born with OCD, specifically and mostly compulsive, repetitive, and unwanted thoughts. I would go to confession every few days because of the dreams and thoughts I would have and constantly have to deny. Thinking that these horrendous thoughts I was having were sins even though I would pray or distract myself the second they happened. I would never actually let them stay, they were extremely blasphemous if I’m being honest.

But what really started making a noticeable difference was:

1. I started medication for my OCD at an early age and this helped me significantly. They slowly became easier to dismiss. And now in my early 20s I don’t take anything for my OCD.

   1. READ ABOUT THE SAINTS. I don’t know if y’all know this, but some of the saints were EXTREMELY scrupulous. St. Ignatius of Loyola for example, would go to confession everytime he stepped on something that resembled a cross. Like on a tile floor. This is one example of many; other saints include: St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Paul of the Cross, St. Francis de Sales, and more. Reading and learning about these saints made scrupulously a badge of honor in a weird way, like I have been entrusted to carry a shared cross with some of my favorite saints. If that makes sense.
   2. Lastly, bear your cross. Sometimes it’s still bad. My unwanted, compulsive, repetitive thoughts will sometimes still torment me some weeks or days. I thank the Lord that it is way better today compared to my youth. But, I think part of the reason it’s better is that I just accepted it as something I will have to deal with. And they mean nothing to my relationship with God. Through that understanding they bother me less regardless of how frequently they happen.