Breaking through anxiety

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So, I just recently moved into a rooming house after selling my dad's house. He passed in late February and I moved my last things (and me!) out in July. It's taken me several months, but I've finally started using the community kitchen. I had no *choice* with the bathroom and thus had to get over THAT angst *right* quick! ;) So, why the anxiety? No sure. The other resident on this the third floor is himself a mysterious presence. We have had MAYBE two interactions and just about that many words exchanged in 3 months. I used to hang out with my door open - my nonverbal way of saying "hey, it's an open door thing with me. Let's be neighbors!" I think that was creepy for him based on his seeming desire to live and let live and leave it at that. So, I took to the hermit lifestyle - nothing new for me given that I struggle with recurrent major depressive disorder and once-and-sometimes-severe anxiety, and thus isolate - to use the common and even clinical vernacular. These plus well-managed OCD and some learning issues make doing the alone thing a frequent preference. So...the kitchen! I love to cook. I love to experiment in the kitchen and discover and explore new culinary successes. But, I'd been timing my use of said room to coincide with my neighbor's absence and/or "in for the night"-ness. My courage approached and stopped at ramen noodles for like a month and a half. But, TWICE this week I actually COOKED! :) The other day it was a tuna noodle concoction, which, despite its name and rep, was quite good. Tonight I made a cube steak! Hey...baby steps! I cut up some shallots and sauteed those, then threw in the steak and drizzled with Worcestershire sauce. Topped with a slice of cheddar and greens between two slices of bread and I am quite happy and full. I cleaned up well and the only evidence left is a still-tantalizing aroma. Yep. Getting comfy in my home. Yay!