[imaginethat]

I read self-help book voraciously many years ago because I felt like I was never good enough. Looking back I realize the books were just reinforcing my beliefs. With every book I had to do something to be a better person, and doing those things didn't make me feel like a better person.

I have a friend who always asks something to the tune of "What are you doing to better yourself?" She's always on the quest to do that. I think that constantly being on that wheel is a lot of pressure, especially if you're already dealing with mental illness. I think I'm doing well to take my meds regularly, go to the psychiatrist, go to work, write in my journal about my feelings, and take care of my dog. I'm doing well to fight this illness.

What do you think? Do you accept yourself as you?

[Blueberrybook]

Just getting through the day without having a meltdown and not letting my daughter push my buttons and get into an argument is pretty much my goal. If I go beyond that, the day has been spectacular.

But self betterment means different things to different people. If I've read a good book (usually fiction), watched a TV show that made me think, took the time to soak in an Espom salt bath, I look at that as self-care and betterment. My loftiest goals are to increase family time and especially increase it with my daughter without growing bored or without her getting frustrated with me. But that is only when I'm really doing well.

If I go to church, even if I haven't been in 6 months, I feel that's self-betterment. Or if I attend a book club meeting to talk about a book, I'm getting out of the house, being around other people.

For me, self-betterment is small steps and goals indeed.

[Wild Coyote]

I used to study/do all kinds of self-help and self-betterment. I've run out of steam! I can't push myself any longer. I am old and tired and I accept this.


WC

[imaginethat]

Thanks for your post! It's very inspiring. I agree about all of the little things that can amount to a lot. Sounds like you're doing a great job of managing.

Originally Posted by cln1812

Just getting through the day without having a meltdown and not letting my daughter push my buttons and get into an argument is pretty much my goal. If I go beyond that, the day has been spectacular.

But self betterment means different things to different people. If I've read a good book (usually fiction), watched a TV show that made me think, took the time to soak in an Espom salt bath, I look at that as self-care and betterment. My loftiest goals are to increase family time and especially increase it with my daughter without growing bored or without her getting frustrated with me. But that is only when I'm really doing well.

If I go to church, even if I haven't been in 6 months, I feel that's self-betterment. Or if I attend a book club meeting to talk about a book, I'm getting out of the house, being around other people.

For me, self-betterment is small steps and goals indeed.

[imaginethat]

Maybe there are times that pushing ourselves is easier. But I think I should listen to my inner voice and learn to accept myself, like you have.

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

I used to study/do all kinds of self-help and self-betterment. I've run out of steam! I can't push myself any longer. I am old and tired and I accept this.


WC

[~Christina]

I push myself when I can and when I can’t I just can’t and I’m okay about it.

[imaginethat]

Christina, that is THE perfect answer. I love it.

Originally Posted by ~Christina

I push myself when I can and when I can’t I just can’t and I’m okay about it.