here's one more thing to add to your list of positive things: you bravely shared your words in public here on the forum.

what a hard assignment when one doesn't usually have a positive self image/images of selves.

your approach was perfect. you did what you needed to for expression.

with time, and maybe similar exercises from T, you'll be able to see the things that others see so clearly and that you wrote about so eloquently here.... </font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
I am me
I am what the world sees
I am a shell encompassing all
I am afraid, yet I hope
I show the world
What it wants to see
While I try my best, to find me

though I am none of these
they are all part of me
for they are all
my memories

I am all of me
I am bubbling with energy,
with a love of life and all it holds
able to protect and willing to fight
I am intelligent and eager to learn
I put my life on the line for others
I go out of my way to help one in need
these are all things I am told
one day I hope to believe
all that others see in me

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post"> our encouragment would be write more!! journal like your life depended upon it!! (paraphrased from Judy Castelli )