From Anger To Affirmation

In August, I discussed the importance of creating an anger list to uncover the many repressed emotions that lead to self-sacrifice, self sabotage and self blame. Now, being so successful at list building, I find myself overflowing with spontaneous anger that often feels explosive and unregulated.

Enough! I am ready for the middle way where I will channel my anger using this definitive list of personal rights to engage actions, feeling and behavior that are as positive as they are assertive.

My Personal Bill of Rights:

• I have the right to be uniquely myself.
• I have the right to make mistakes and not be perfect.
• I have the right to follow my own values, standards, and beliefs.
• I have the right to ask for what I need.
• I have the right to say no to requests I can’t meet.
• I have the right to express all my feelings, positive or negative.
• I have the right to say no if I am not ready, it is unsafe, or it violates my values.
• I have the right to determine my own priorities.
• I have the right not to be responsible for others’ actions, feelings or problems.
• I have the right to expect honesty from others.
• I have the right to be angry with someone I love.
• I have the right to feel scared and say I am afraid.
• I have the right to say I don’t know.
• I have the right to make decisions based on my own feelings.
• I have the right to my own personal space and time.
• I have the right to be playful.
• I have the right to be healthy.
• I have the right to be in a non-abusive environment.
• I have the right to make friends and be comfortable around people.
• I have the right to have my needs and wants respected by others.
• I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
• I have the right to be happy.
• I have the right to be assertive as long as I do not violate another’s human rights.
• I have the right to be left alone.
• I have the right to change my mind.
• I have the right to be successful and independent.
• I have the right to make decisions in my best interest.
• I have the right to change and grow.