hi donna
i tried to do volunteer work at a shelter and it didn't work out and that is when i had a lot more energy.it also made me sadder. thank God for the volunteers that have the strength who can do it.
i am trying to think of another thing to add to my list.
bobby

thank you so much Waves
it really worked. a different mindset really made a difference
love
bobby

some additional thoughts
 

Dear Bobby

you're so welcome and that is very cool. don't forget to write the things down as you think of them.

i've been thinking about my original idea, of having a dual list (LIKE/DISKLIKE) and have also been questioning the value of keeping the "DISLIKE" stuff written down. There is one good thing i see in doing that however: thoughts about things we dislike in ourselves tend to recur. If you write down an item when you thing about it, if it recurs you will find it already present on the list when you go to write it. At that point you get to recognize the thought pattern, and perhaps you could say to yourself, ok, been there done that. You get to "write it off" no pun intended.

On the other hand i like the idea of having a simple list of only things you like about yourself. and yes, it is the mindset that is the key. anyway, having a list like that can be helpful to look at when you are glum, to remind you of the good in you. in that case, i rather "dislike" the idea of having a DISLIKE list right next to it.

Conclusion - one thing you might do, is keep both lists, but separately. you could either fold the sheet in half so only one list is visible, or keep separate sheets. Then, the DISLIKE list could function as a log, to help remind you catch when your thoughts are repeating themselves. the LIKE list could function as a pick me up when you need one. :)

i hope you are doing better today. keep on trying to think of good things about yourself. i assure you, there are plenty in there to be found. :)

love

~ waves ~

i am having trouble thinking about what i like about what i like about myself. it is really hard. but i am trying. yesterday i told my neighbor i did nothing all day. i wound up helping her with a computer program. she mentioned that and i said yeah but that wasn't moving. i guess moving is a big issue. Barbara mentioned i could go on walks with her with the dogs she takes care of..maybe i will take mini walks with her.
love
bobby

Bobby,
Taking mini walks with the dogs is a good idea.

M

you are resourceful and helpful. add this to your list.:)

Dear Bobby,

Bizi is right and those are two separate items - 1. resourceful, 2. helpful.

I wonder if you do you perhaps think of things you like ... but then dismiss them or don't fully believe them?

It does certainly sound like today at least you have put "moving" as a requirement for liking yourself. (Hey, no fair!) Your reply to your neighbor totally invalidated the value of your assistance to her.... because it didn't involve moving (!)... gulp. Well you had to go from your apartment to hers and back - that's a little bit of moving! ;):p

Anyway, it's good that you have identified this thing. I hope you can get past it.

I do like the idea of going for mini-walks with Barbara and the dogs. You could give it a try and see how it works out.

Perhaps as a pick me up for now, you could make a list of the things we like about you - those we have posted. If/when you feel you believe one of them, you also add it to your own list. But at least you will have some positive things to think about. When you can't think of new things... don't be too hard on yourself - instead, read our list as well as your own to remember those things.

we treasure you.

love

~ waves ~

thank you so much. it is really hard thinking of things i like about myself.
i got great news today. the supreme court isn't going to take on the rent control case. yippeee and thensome. i am so relieved. i will have to spend a lot of time i guess thinking of what i like about myself. it is so easy thinking about what i don't like about myself
love
bobby

Dear Bobby,

Great news abotu the Supreme Court!

It's ok that making the list is difficult. You are thinking in new ways. Keep going. I think you are feeling that you made some progress.

M

Great news about the rent issues!!!!!!!!
Yes one less thing to really worry about.
Happy for you!!!!
bizi