Inkwell: Authors and Artists

    
RE: Externalizing

>>I seem to recall your
mentioning something about externalizing the disorder<<

Almost everyone I know who battles OCD has found "externalizing" to be
a very powerful tool in confronting obsessive thoughts. My own guess
is that is has to do with the added perspective that comes from
separating rational and irrational thoughts.  

As I detail in my book, my externalized OCD takes the form of
Christof, from "The Truman Show."  It's a long story, but still one of
my favorites... and applies to this day!
  

    
RE: Prognosis


>>what's the prognosis? Again underlining that you don't put
yourself out there as an expert, but what does your reading and
research tell you about what to expect as you get older?<<

From everything I've read and experienced, this is what I've come to
expect in the years ahead: Good days. Bad Days. But never days quite as
bad as my worst, because I now know my way out!  

The worst trap I've fallen into in recent years has been that of
complacence.  OCD recovery is an ongoing challenge and requires great
vigilance.  When I let my guard down, I become vulnerable. When I stop
pushing myself, I become more apt to slip back into a life of
avoidance.

Somewhere along the way, I shifted my recovery goals from "getting
cured" to "learning to live with the disorder."  That's made all the
difference in the world.  

My life today--ongoing OCD challenges and all--is wonderful.  I am
very, very blessed!
  

    
What a great place to leave it! - and so we will. Jeff, thank you so
much. Best of luck to you and yours.
  

    
Yes, thank you, Jeff, for sharing all this with use here. And thanks so
much, Angie, for your able facilitation.
  

    
It was really interesting, Angie and Jeff.
  

    
My thanks to all of you for this great opportunity to share my story
in more than just sound bytes. (Yeah, I know... an ironic comment from
someone who makes a living reducing life to sound bytes!)  Your
thoughtful, astute questions have been truly refreshing, and I've
thoroughly enjoyed spending this time with you. 

Angie, you're a gem.. but I knew that already from our many radio
years together.  Cynthia and David, thanks for making this happen.

I'll leave you with a sincere invitation to keep in touch.  My online
home these days is www.RewindReplayRepeat.com and my email is
jeff@RewindReplayRepeat.com

With gratitude, 

- jeff
  

    
Jeff's story is in the Chron today:

<http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/12/DDG1RP4CQ440.DTL>

It's currently titled "The DJ Had a Secret" on SFGate, an error I just
sent them a scolding for.