I have tried journals. I still journal but I have a tendency to focus on negative thoughts in journals. I am not sure why.

I think negative thoughts are a safety problem. I think they are a form of self-harm. It is a habitual way of thinking about oneself that becomes one's "reality." So my 24 hour contract is really an agreement where one is contracting to not harm one's self.

I am not saying this is easy but I think it gets to the root of a lot of a lot of mental pain.

I am not saying we disregard that life presents problems. In fact, I have so many problems my life often is quite overwhelming.

But this is a way to cope.

I don't have good coping skills. I am weak in this area. Part of coping well is being positive.

I hope more people offer feedback.

Thank you to everyone who has been helping me with my DBT skill building.