My T printed this list for me when I first started seeing her.

Some are still very tough for me to put into action.

There is also a shorter list called "Bill of Assertive Rights."

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I have the right to ask for what I want.

I have the right to say no to requests or demands I can't meet.

I have the right to change my mind.

I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect.

I have the right to follow my own values and standards.

I have the right to express all of my feelings, both positive or negative.

I have the right to say no to anything when I feel 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' behavior, actions, feelings or problems.

I have the right to expect honesty from others.

I have the right to be angry.

I have the right to be uniquely myself.

I have the right to feel scared and say "I'm afraid."

I have the right to say "I don't know."

I have the right not to give excuses or reasons for my behavior.

I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings.

I have the right to my own needs for personal space and time.

I have the right to be playful and frivolous.

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 change and grow.

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.

These rights have been adapted from The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Eugene Bourne (Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 1995).