I really like this example the author used to illustrate how the brain can create physical responses based upon thoughts alone here on pp37-38:

I want you to close your eyes (gotcha... now you can't read) and vividly imagine biting into a juicy, sour lemon. Really go for it — see the bright yellow skin as you slice it open.

Watch the juice drip down. Now take a big bite. Feel that intense sourness hitting your tongue, making your face scrunch up. Your mouth is watering right now, isn’t it? Your taste buds are tingling, maybe you’re even making that sour face?

”Is your mouth watering?” I ask Sarah.

”Yeah, it is," she says, surprised.

"Is there an actual lemon in your mouth?"

"No."

That's how powerful the mind-body connection can be.

Our brains will create a physical response to something that isn't actually there. That's exactly what happens with OCD.

The key insight here is that just because you feel it, that doesn't mean it's true. Physical sensations are powerful, but they're not always accurate indicators of reality.

I thought this was a simple, clear, effective way to convey how OCD can transform a thought into a physical response without external stimuli! It can cause something very real to happen in the body. (This can also apply to generalized anxiety.) Not only is this a good device for helping those of us who live with OCD to understand what’s happening between our brains and bodies, but it’s also helpful in creating understanding in the people around us.

Who else’s mouth watered when thinking about the lemon? 🙋‍♀️

I'm just so incredibly bored with this book 😭 And I'm conflicted with that fact because the reviews are so high, I feel like I'm missing something!

I like the idea, the characters are a nice cast, and the fact that the romance isn't full center is great... but the plot is boring the heck out me! please tell me it gets more interesting at the end, or at least in the second book

so what i’m hearing is that grad school is literal hell and i shouldn’t do it