Posted by gardenergirl on February 4, 2004, at 23:36:57
In reply to Re: Learning to like yourself » Penny, posted by Dinah on February 4, 2004, at 17:52:23
Pen,
I like Dinah's suggestions as well. I keep a file with positive things in it. Little notes from people that reinforced something I was proud of, good evaluations or comments from teachers or other important people. It's like my little ego boost folder. It reminds me that others found something good about me that also feels right to me. So I get reinforcement for feeling proud.I also love the idea of meditation, that pegasus suggested. It's a really good way to get to your core self.
What kind of therapy are you doing right now? If it is more CBT oriented, then noticing the negative and substituting more positive is a good approach. Actually, it's always good, regardless of your T's orientation. If your T is more psychodynamic, then you will learn to love yourself as you work through transference and break through defenses. As you discover your authentic, genuine self versus the one with the defenses, you will love that person. I guarantee you. Because it will be YOU! Something will just click.
A lot of people in this type of therapy get to a point where they are afraid of that true self they might discover. This is because it has been hidden for so long. The unknown is scary. But others can already see, at least I can here on PB, that you are a beautiful person. And when you find that self as well, you will be awed by and proud of your beauty!
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:309396
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040131/msgs/309599.html