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April 23 Acknowledge and Accept Positive QualitiesTodays Mood(s): Calm, Rational, Curious, Determined
This week has been much more relaxed for me than last week. Last week I had an appointment somewhere everyday, which for me is alot, especially now when I have to pack up not just one but two small children. The only day I didn't have to go anywhere was Tuesday, and I've never enjoyed relaxing at home as much as I did that day! Especially as I'm not much for going out anymore, going out so much was.....rather stressful actually. But the appointments were necessary and had to be done. Something else I have to get done is a self-esteem exercise, so since I have a few minutes now i'm going to do it so I don't end up feeling guilty because I didn't get it done.
Exercise from: The Self-Esteem Workbook Chapter 14, Acknowledge and Accept Positive Qualities
"Self-esteem can be cultivated by resolutely acknowledging what is presently "right" about one's self. For many, this is difficult because habits of negative thinking make it easier to identify what's wrong. Although there is a time and a benefit to acknowledge shortcomings and weaknesses, when this becomes the dominant focus (to the exclusion of strengths) self esteem suffers."
Ok, this is part of where I keep having my slips into depression. It's a cycle I can't seem to break, focusing only on my shortcomings and what is wrong in my life. I end up beating myself up over every little thing that goes wrong and feeling guilty about it. For example: John would come home from work and ask me about my day and what I did, but what I hear when he asks "What did you do today?" is "Why are you so lazy and not getting this or that done". That's the thing about depression is everything makes you feel guilty...you even feel guilty about feeling guilty!
This exercise then, is practice in acknowleding and reinforcing strengths with appreciation. Doing this is a way of loving yourself.
1. Develop a list of ten positive statements about yourself that are meaningful and realistic/true.
2. Find a place to relax, undisturbed for 15 - 20 minutes. For one or two minutes, meditate on one statement and the evidences for it's accuracy. Repeat this for each statement. Why is each statement true? How do you know?
3. Repeat this exercise everyday for ten days. Each day add an additional statement.
4. Several times each day, look at an item on the list, and for about two minutes, meditate on the evidence for it's accuracy.
Ok, this is where todays moods come in. I'm feeling calm and thinking rationally. I'm curious to know if I can even come up with ten things to start with, but I'm also at the same time determined to do so! So let's get on with my list....
1. I have a good sense of humor
2. I am honest
3. I am loyal
4. I am patient
5. I am creative
6. I am flexible or adaptable
7. I am a good listener
8. I am good at organizing
9. I am a good wife
10. I am a good mother
Yay! I came up with 10 things! *Does a little happy dance* Now, for the next 10 days this is the list I will be thinking about and adding to. |
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